In many ways these two clubs that welcomed new coaches last off-season enter September already having exceeded expectations, but that will be little consolation to whoever bows out after this elimination final.
The Giants come in as one of the hottest teams in the League, winning nine of their past 11 matches, including a final round triumph over red-hot Carlton, to qualify for the top eight. On the other hand, St Kilda had to defend its spot grimly as the season wore on, riding out a rough patch in the middle of the year to regain strong form late and frank Ross Lyon's first year back in charge.
All eyes will be on Sam Taylor's hamstring this week, with last year's All-Australian full-back crucial to the Giants' success.
Earlier this year...
Round 10: Greater Western Sydney 12.8 (80) lost to St Kilda 13.14 (92) at Giants Stadium
Just before the Giants really got rolling under new coach Adam Kingsley, and while the Saints were humming under Lyon, the teams played out a gripping contest that involved 13 lead changes. It was Max King's first game back following a shoulder reconstruction and hamstring problems, and the Saints spearhead wasted no time returning to his best, booting four goals in the win. Jack Higgins (three goals) was also influential, while All-Australian Jack Sinclair (37 disposals and two goals) also had a huge say. Brent Daniels (24 and two goals) was exceptional for the Giants, and although they didn't get the premiership points, this performance was enough to show what was coming just around the corner.
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05:20
RD10 | All the goals v GWS
Relive every St Kilda goal from Sunday's Round 10 win over GWS.
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15:02
RD10 | Mini-Match: GWS v St Kilda
Extended highlights of the Giants v Saints clash in round 10.
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01:45
RD10 | 'It was pretty gutsy in the end': Enright post-game
Assistant coach Corey Enright spoke to STK Media following St Kilda's 12-point win over GWS.
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06:43
RD10 | 'I was really pleased': Lyon post-game press conference
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round ten's match against GWS
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01:54
RD10 | The King is back as Max snags four
Max King delivers four valuable goals on his return to footy in round 10.
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01:51
RD10 | Sinclair slays Giants with monster performance
37 disposals and two goals from Jack Sinclair proved to be the difference in a close win over GWS.
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01:59
RD10 | King 'grateful' to be back in the fray, praise for young forwards
Max King spoke to Fox Footy's Alastair Lynch following his return from injury and St Kilda's 12-point win over GWS.
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00:42
RD10 | Superb Sinclair snap extends lead for the Saints
Jack Sinclair shows all his class with a brilliant finish in front of goal.
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00:54
RD10 | Wood gives half-time update on contest, Owens injury
Masonn Wood spoke to Fox Footy's Alastair Lynch at half-time as the Saints and Giants go into the main change on 51 points apiece.
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00:42
RD10 | Owens given all clear after heavy head knock
Mitch Owens left the ground on a stretcher following this incident in a marking contest, but was later given the all clear.
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00:42
RD10 | Incredible bounce results in second King major
Max King gets a fortuitous bounce and hammers it home as St Kilda takes back the lead.
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00:54
RD10 | Return of the King gets royal reception as Saints slot their first
Max King has the perfect start in his return from injury with an early major.
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02:57
RD10 | Lyon pre-game on King's comeback, Greene match-up and more
Senior coach Ross Lyon swings by for a cross with Fox Footy in the minutes leading up to St Kilda's match against GWS.
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01:28
'Bloody unreal!': Caminiti puts pen to paper, King reunion looms
Anthony Caminiti spoke exclusively to 7News' Mitch Cleary after signing a three-year contract extension with the red, white and black.
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10:50
King closes in, Lyon 'optimistic' on mid's return
Ross Lyon speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's match against GWS to kick off the first week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
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00:54
Past, present, future: The story behind our 2023 Indigenous Guernsey
Meet Indigenous artist Jade Kennedy of the Noongar Nation and understand the story behind his design for St Kilda's 2023 Indigenous Guernsey.
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The stats that matter
St Kilda
The Saints have been the toughest team to score against in 2023, giving up an average of less than 72 points a game. They've conceded more than 90 points just once – when the AFL's highest scoring team Adelaide put 121 on them in round nine. It should be little surprise with two All-Australians in the back six, Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair, but scoring against the Saints is easier said than done.
Greater Western Sydney
Although it's Ross Lyon teams that are known for defence and pressure, the Giants have built their game off tackling in 2023. They are ranked second for tackle differential (plus-6.2) and likewise for tackles inside forward 50 (plus three). If the Giants are within striking distance at three quarter-time, look out. Kingsley's team has won 16 of 23 final quarters this year, trailing only Melbourne (17) for the best mark in the League.
It's a big week for...
St Kilda
Jack Steele; the type of player that thrives on physicality and highly contested matches like finals. Leading his midfield to out-work Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green, Josh Kelly and Callan Ward will go a long way towards the Saints advancing to a semi-final.
Greater Western Sydney
Regardless of the fitness of Sam Taylor (who the Giants are obviously hopeful of regaining), Jack Buckley will have a big assignment. Max King kicked four goals last time the teams met, while Tim Membrey showed flashes of a return to form with his three goals in the final round against Brisbane. Slowly down their influence will make scoring difficult for the Saints.
