A GUIDE TO THE FIRST AFL ELIMINATION FINAL BETWEEN GWS AND HAWTHORN
* When: Saturday, 3.15pm AEST
* Where: Engie Stadium (Sydney Showground)
* The form:
GWS: Finished fifth with 16 wins and seven losses. The Giants had a strong end to the home-and-away campaign, winning nine of their last 10 outings.
Hawthorn: Won just four of their last seven, including a 1-3 record against top-eight rivals in that period. The Hawks were forced down to eighth spot on percentage after Gold Coast's thumping of Essendon.
* Head-to-head:
Overall: Played 17. GWS eight wins, eight losses, one draw.
In finals: Never met.
Last time: Round three, 2025: Hawthorn 10.16 (76) bt GWS 9.10 (64) at UTAS Stadium, Launceston.
* Key players:
Toby Greene (GWS): The Giants captain is one of the competition's greatest X-factors, capable of winning any game off his own boot. Will likely receive close attention from versatile Hawks defender Blake Hardwick.
Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn): Tough midfielder is the Hawks' best ball-winner and clearance player. Key to his side's chances of winning the engine-room battle.
Finn Callaghan (GWS): Speed down the corridor makes Callaghan an essential cog in the Orange Tsunami, and he is midfield bull Tom Green's favourite outlet. Not afraid to take the game on and shoot on goal, he relishes the big moments.
Jack Gunston (Hawthorn): Aged 33, the four-time premiership Hawk is enjoying his best season in front of goal with 62 majors from 20 appearances. The veteran's goal sense, experience and leadership are vital in the front half.
* The stat: Hawthorn have never won at the Giants' home ground. Eight previous visits have featured six defeats to GWS by an average margin of 27.5 points, as well as losses to Melbourne and Collingwood during COVID-affected seasons.
