GWS coach Adam Kingsley was in awe of Giant pair Jesse Hogan and Brent Daniels as the club locked away a top-four spot ahead of the 2024 finals series.
Daniels arguably had the best game of his career and was the reason the club remained in touch with Fremantle throughout the course of the day, according to Kingsley.
The small forward recorded three goals, 29 disposals, 13 tackles, seven clearances, seven marks and two goal assists.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Goal Assists
Kingsley noted his significance post-game.
"Daniels was outstanding today. It felt like when we were not quite getting it done, he was keeping us in it, him and Jessie,โ Kingsley said.
"His ability to pressure, his tackles, he ended up with 13 in the end, his finish... I thought he had an outstanding game.
โHe certainly provided that spark to help us get back into the game.โ
The Giants managed to hold off the Dockers in a see-sawing affair, with the margin never creeping past 19 points.
Daniel's efforts were matched by key forward Hogan, who continues his career-best form with a handful of goals.
The Coleman medal leader slotted six goals (and four behinds) in a dominant performance, leaving opposition coach Justin Longmuir without any answers.
The visitors were without their captain Alex Pearce, leaving their defensive line leaner than desired.
"We didn't have a heap of options, missing our skipper who would usually play that role (on Hogan) for us,โ Longmuir said.
โThe thing is with Jesse, he does a really good job of trying to get the match-up that he wants.โ
Forward
Goals
Marks
Tackles
The irony in Hogan's performance was the fact he spent time in the purple guernsey between 2019 and 2020 during a tumultuous period of his football career.
Playing 19 games for the Dockers after a stint at Melbourne, it seems obvious that the third time is lucky, with his home at the Giants being fruitful.
"I'm really proud of the work that he puts in," Kingsley said of Hogan.
"That probably goes understated in just how hard he works on his game. Whether that's physically or mentally.
"He's a fantastic preparer... he deserves what he gets because of the way he prepares and how selfless he is.
"He's given away plenty of goals this year to people in better positions or created contests to create goals for his smaller teammates.
"It's great to see him get the reward."
Hogan is in line for his first All-Australian blazer but his eyes will be solely on going one better than last year and playing off in the grand final.
The Giants will look to push for a home qualifying final as they prepare for their last home and away match against the Western Bulldogs at MARS Stadium.
However, the club could be without defender Lachie Ash who could find himself in hot water after a tackle on Hayden Young and could receive some scrutiny from the MRO.
