An 18-point victory over the top-of-the-table Western Bulldogs has kept Greater Western Sydney's once-distant hopes of a Grand Final appearance well and truly alive.
While the Western Bulldogs hang on to top spot, the Giants advance to second place, nudging the recently-ascended Adelaide down the ladder to third.
A win would have guaranteed the Western Bulldogs a Grand Final appearance, but they now will play a virtual preliminary final against the equally prospective Melbourne to stand a chance at taking out the premiership.
Signs were promising for the Bulldogs early on after Kirsten McLeod soccered the first goal of the game in the opening thirty seconds.
Mirroring her teammate's style, Monique Conti soon joined the party, securing the Bulldogs' second only minutes later.
Although the flying start didn't last courtesy of an Aimee Schmidt major, the Bulldogs appeared dangerous for the remainder of the term - the midfield might of Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney giving them the edge around the ball.
It looked like it would be another quarter of Bulldog power after McLeod slotted another in the second term, yet again in the opening minute.
But it would end up being their only score for the quarter, as an all-out GWS assault bombarded the ladder leaders.
Spearheaded by Courtney Gum (23 disposals) and Alicia Eva (19 disposals), the Giant midfield dominated the clearances, resulting in a whopping 13 inside 50s for the term opposed to the Bulldogs' two entries.
Jodie Hicks got the momentum swinging the Giants' way after slotting a classy set shot goal to give her side the lead early in the piece, while Irish import Cora Staunton's great physical presence and aggression blitzed the Bulldogs.
A spectacular pack mark and goal after playing on, coupled with a direct goal assist to Jessica Dal Pos only moments earlier, emphasised Staunton's prowess and importance to the side in what is only her debut season.
With an eight-point lead at half-time, both teams were well aware of what a win would yield for their them - for the Bulldogs, a Grand Final guarantee; for the Giants, a chance to keep the premiership dream alive.
Both sides came from the main change fit and firing, yet unlike the previous two quarters, neither side were able to assert their dominance.
It was a tight wrestle for control for the majority of proceedings, the contested style of play limiting any flowing ball movement of which the Bulldogs in particular have become renowned for.
The Dogs finally broke the drought thanks to a Jenna Bruton goal, and a subsequent minor score from Kearney brought the Dogs back to within a single point by three-quarter time.
While the Bulldogs fought hard in the final term, it was the Giants who would retain the upper hand and run away victors by a comfortble 18 points.
The Giants crushed any Bulldog resurgence, with goals to Gum, Eva and Amanda Farrugia opposed to the Bulldogs' solitary point.
As time closed on the Bulldogs, so too did their hopes of securing a ticket to the Grand Final - the disappointment on their faces telling the story clearly.
The Giants on the other hand were ecstatic, with their dream of a Grand Final berth still alive.
Wooden spooners last year, Greater Western Sydney now have the chance to secure a their place in the Grand Final when they face Brisbane, who will also be vying for a top-two finish.
The Bulldogs face similar circumstances in a do-or-die battle against the flag favourites, Melbourne, at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.2 4.4 4.4 7.4 (46) WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.2 3.2 4.3 4.4 (28)
GOALS Greater Western Sydney: Hicks, Staunton, Dal Pos, Farrugia, Gum, Eva, Schmidt Western Bulldogs: McLeod 2, Conti, Bruton
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Gum, Staunton, Eva
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Conti, Kearney
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