Autopsy 2025 1st Elimination Final - GWS Giants vs Hawthorn, 3.15pm Saturday 6 September, Engie Stadium

[SSSSSS]

Was a ripping game guys. Could have gone either way.

Hoping for a swift and speedy recovery for Jones. One of my favourites.

 

[taurus]

Well a good comeback, ran out of legs in the end, but just like last year, the final/s showed all the exact same issues as throughout the year (never playing a full 4 quarters). Kingsley was getting slammed on fox for the game style, but edging backwards each year since the end of 23, he's gotta change something up next year, most noticeably some personnel and strengthening a shallow midfield.

The backline really misses Buckley because when aleer comes in, it's like having two himmelberg's back there. Coniglio is cooked. Kelly was superb in the third and poor in the last. Ash was superb, brown poor, Callaghan amazing as usual and Tom green also pretty good. Too many guys that had an off day though and a lack of chemistry from returning players. Hawks were always a tough proposition they're top 4 quality the back end of the year, the 4 goals from frees in the first quarter helped. Just posting every thought that pops into my head, high on disappointment.

An external perspective is welcome especially a correct view. Our midfield has been our weakest but I blame the forwards tonight. Lack of chemistry until the third quarter.

Brent Daniel's injury was significant this season. He provides goal threat, skill and speed. He also makes Bedford better imo.

Aleer needs to move on.

Trade is the only way to strengthen our midfield in the premiership window. Rowston has been a revelation.

 

[Colonial]

We keep trying to hang on to finals.keeping players who probably should be cleaned out. But they are terrified of not making it because that’s what our off field leadership have pushed as our thing.

 

[Giant YoYo]

But they are terrified of not making it because that’s what our off field leadership have pushed as our thing.

The club sells us hope but the fanbase doesn't believe it. This is is the difference in vibe. Hope v belief.

When belief kicks in the stadium goes off. When it's just hope, you hear what you hear tonight.

If the club doesn't think this is a problem then I have other news for them. A cynical fanbase isn't one you really want to hang your hat off.

 

[Cmarsh]

It's getting to the point where I question how helpful being in finals is.

Surely it's becoming a negative among our players because I can't see it being a positive. The fanbase is apprehensive so I'd imagine our players are the same

What are you saying we are better off tanking for draft picks?

 

[Giant YoYo]

What are you saying we are better off tanking for draft picks?

I didn't say anything of the sort.

Instead of crowing for how great playing finals is perhaps do a review to actually put team in the best position to win them and end up higher up on the ladder.

Third year of finals and the Giants are out in an EF. This is a worse result compared to other years, or am I missing something??

 

[Drummond]

Some really good summations in here. Very clear and logical thinking even so soon after a heartbreaking loss

Last year was a blown opportunity. This year too. Some major positives throughout the year, but there’s some big question marks.

The game plan has to come under some scrutiny. The tsunami is fantastic and nice to watch, but I (rightly or wrongly) get the feeling Kinglsey is too dependent on it and relies on the switch being flicked to get the job done. Sometimes you wont be allowed to play your game style. What happens when things aren’t going your way?

To concede 69 points at half time in a final is unacceptable and highlights some structural flaws. Hawks had 84 points early stages of the 3rd. The defence was a mess, felt like a goal was coming whenever they went inside 50. Buckley no doubt a huge hole and such a stabilising presence. Admittedly I thought Aleer played one of his better games today, a few questionable physical efforts but overall no real issues. But you can’t let them score that easily.

Some positives…

Fonti was terrific on Watson, Thomas attacked the contest well and provided a clear head. Angwin was good. Kelly changed the game with his third quarter. Callaghan was dragging the team on his back for 3 quarters. Briggs played quite well. Bedford with 2 goals, 13 disposals and 6 tackles really stood up. XOH had an unbelievable third and has become a much more reliable player.

The negatives…

Jones. ACL. Shattered. He was distraught. Poor kid, and what a loss for 2026. Gothard has to have a huge PS and make that role his. No excuses, 1st round pick, 2 years in the system and yet to debut. Angove too, hopefully the recover from his back injury is going okay. A spot is there. Even Delana and Hannaford. So many players vying for the role. But none, at least yet, will match the quality of Jones.

Cadman had an absolute stinker. All that progress only to dish that up in a final. He’ll learn but man rough watch. Coniglio does look pretty cooked. Not sure having Rowston in there would’ve been a downgrade. And lately he’s been giving something up forward too. I’m a huge Brown fan but he was invisible and offered nothing. Stringer had a better second half and if we’d won he would’ve looked better next week, but there isn’t a next week.

Midfield depth looks rough. Jack Ough has something, but will take time. I wouldn’t be opposed to giving Shiel a cheap 1 year deal. But he doesn’t help the lack of accountability that often creeps into the midfield.

Not sure where to go from here. All the talk about how the season starts now after the Saints game. One game later the season has ended. Again it feels premature, there’s more to give. But the deficiencies and long periods of lapses are constantly the undoing of a club that promises so much.

 

[Colonial]

The club sells us hope but the fanbase doesn't believe it. This is is the difference in vibe. Hope v belief.

When belief kicks in the stadium goes off. When it's just hope, you hear what you hear tonight.

If the club doesn't think this is a problem then I have other news for them. A cynical fanbase isn't one you really want to hang your hat off.

I have faith in everyone at the club but our off field leadership.
Our club, fans, and community deserve better

 

[captainMyCaptain]

Aleer won’t be with us next year, so won’t be an issue anymore

Yep but a tad nervous as Buckley is hitting pre-agent status and no word of contract talk, and we have seen what we look like without him.

 

[Colonial]

Aleer won’t be with us next year, so won’t be an issue anymore

We have zero depth there and no bucks extension.

What’s to be happy about

 

[taurus]

I think Kingsley is a great coach. However he needs to design a Plan B. Last two seasons have been too familiar, early season favourites, inevitable decline past the mid season, rejuvenation in the last third followed by disappointing finals run. I hope Darcy's injury isn't as bad because we lose a very important Cog in the Tsunami game plan.

2026 is our chance in fast approaching closing of the premiership window. If we can't get a good midfielder in the trade period, it's dejavu.

 

[rei154]

Amazing game, all.

Deserved to a be a match up in a week or twos time instead of in the first week of the finals, but what a ripper!

Fingers crossed Jones has a speedy recovery, absolute gem and deserves the world.

 

[Drummond]

Yep but a tad nervous as Buckley is hitting pre-agent status and no word of contract talk, and we have seen what we look like without him.

Going to suck to lose Derksen who I think showed a ton in the VFL and should been given a look.

Hopefully we don’t lose him and Gruzewski.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Crowd was 20,634 at Giants Stadium. The 6th biggest attendance ever at Giants Stadium, and 2nd biggest finals crowd at GS.

 

[taurus]

Some really good summations in here. Very clear and logical thinking even so soon after a heartbreaking loss

Last year was a blown opportunity. This year too. Some major positives throughout the year, but there’s some big question marks.

The game plan has to come under some scrutiny. The tsunami is fantastic and nice to watch, but I (rightly or wrongly) get the feeling Kinglsey is too dependent on it and relies on the switch being flicked to get the job done. Sometimes you wont be allowed to play your game style. What happens when things aren’t going your way?

To concede 69 points at half time in a final is unacceptable and highlights some structural flaws. Hawks had 84 points early stages of the 3rd. The defence was a mess, felt like a goal was coming whenever they went inside 50. Buckley no doubt a huge hole and such a stabilising presence. Admittedly I thought Aleer played one of his better games today, a few questionable physical efforts but overall no real issues. But you can’t let them score that easily.

Some positives…

Fonti was terrific on Watson, Thomas attacked the contest well and provided a clear head. Angwin was good. Kelly changed the game with his third quarter. Callaghan was dragging the team on his back for 3 quarters. Briggs played quite well. Bedford with 2 goals, 13 disposals and 6 tackles really stood up. XOH had an unbelievable third and has become a much more reliable player.

The negatives…

Jones. ACL. Shattered. He was distraught. Poor kid, and what a loss for 2026. Gothard has to have a huge PS and make that role his. No excuses, 1st round pick, 2 years in the system and yet to debut. Angove too, hopefully the recover from his back injury is going okay. A spot is there. Even Delana and Hannaford. So many players vying for the role. But none, at least yet, will match the quality of Jones.

Cadman had an absolute stinker. All that progress only to dish that up in a final. He’ll learn but man rough watch. Coniglio does look pretty cooked. Not sure having Rowston in there would’ve been a downgrade. And lately he’s been giving something up forward too. I’m a huge Brown fan but he was invisible and offered nothing. Stringer had a better second half and if we’d won he would’ve looked better next week, but there isn’t a next week.

Midfield depth looks rough. Jack Ough has something, but will take time. I wouldn’t be opposed to giving Shiel a cheap 1 year deal. But he doesn’t help the lack of accountability that often creeps into the midfield.

Not sure where to go from here. All the talk about how the season starts now after the Saints game. One game later the season has ended. Again it feels premature, there’s more to give. But the deficiencies and long periods of lapses are constantly the undoing of a club that promises so much.

It's rare to find an opinion that matches your own. I'm glad to read yours. With all due respect, Cog was in decline last year.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

How bad is Himmelberg.

Pretty much created a clanger every time he was involved in the play

 

[MelbourneGWS]

We have zero depth there and no bucks extension.

What’s to be happy about

I am not happy. But Aleer will be leaving - he has got offers of significantly more $ and contract length, and we won’t be matching.

 

[Colonial]

How bad is Himmelberg.

Pretty much created a clanger every time he was involved in the play

You ain’t won yours yet blackholes fan

 

[Giant YoYo]

I am not happy. But Aleer will be leaving - he has got offers of significantly more $ and contract length, and we won’t be matching.

He hasn't looked like he's been part of the team for some time now

 

[Tenens Pila]

It's very difficult to not have seen a player check out sometime ago and still be named in the squad or have I been watching a different game?

You're right, but that unfortunately says a lot about our VFL backline.

To not have someone ready to replace Aleer, even for a gimme game like Nth Melbourne when it was clear he had already switched off is damning.

 

[Giant YoYo]

I have faith in everyone at the club but our off field leadership.
Our club, fans, and community deserve better

I'm much the same.

I have endless belief in our players and squad. I'm much less hopeful in other aspects of our administration.

 

[Bjo187]

Midfield depth looks rough. Jack Ough has something, but will take time. I wouldn’t be opposed to giving Shiel a cheap 1 year deal. But he doesn’t help the lack of accountability that often creeps into the midfield.

I'd be going all out for a flag while Toby, Whitfield, Kelly are still going next year and would consider the drastic move of bringing in shiel and treloar for a year to strengthen the midfield depth.

Both will come for free and both playing good footy the past two years, but simply squeezed out for one reason or another. I also think their game style suits the giants more now than when they use to play for the club, speed and centre clearance mids that are matured seasoned bodies in finals.

If they are no good you don't need to play them, but they'd be an upgrade on coniglio, ward retired and I don't see anything coming through that can fill the void next year, other than Rowston who I like, but he's still a couple of years off.

Then I'd also be adding laverde or Sam frost, both these guys aren't great ball in hand but they are really good luck down defenders and would be handy type players in finals. They'd do a better job than aleer and himmelberg, put it that way. The only other weakness in the side is ruck depth, dunno who is out there though.

I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but the clock is ticking for a flag on this group and it's really low risk high reward list management. Actually a bit similar to the pies current age profile, shooting for a premiership adding those older guys that haven't lost their speed.

 

[Drummond]

I'd be going all out for a flag while Toby, Whitfield, Kelly are still going next year and would consider the drastic move of bringing in shiel and treloar for a year to strengthen the midfield depth.

Both will come for free and both playing good footy the past two years, but simply squeezed out for one reason or another. I also think their game style suits the giants more now than when they use to play for the club, speed and centre clearance mids that are matured seasoned bodies in finals.

If they are no good you don't need to play them, but they'd be an upgrade on coniglio, ward retired and I don't see anything coming through that can fill the void next year, other than Rowston who I like, but he's still a couple of years off.

Then I'd also be adding laverde or Sam frost, both these guys aren't great ball in hand but they are really good luck down defenders and would be handy type players in finals. They'd do a better job than aleer and himmelberg, put it that way. The only other weakness in the side is ruck depth, dunno who is out there though.

I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but the clock is ticking for a flag on this group and it's really low risk high reward list management. Actually a bit similar to the pies current age profile, shooting for a premiership adding those older guys that haven't lost their speed.

100%, great post. I’d take Shiel and Treloar in a heartbeat, if both would be willing to return. You’d probably get Dylan cheaper, not sure what the contract situation of Treloar is?

Ruck depth I’m okay with, Madden is a solid backup, all but ready to go. Still a bit further off being reliable than I may have thought, but another PS will help. Smith had a really tough year with injury but has promise.

I’m good with Frost as some added depth given we’ll lose Buckley and Derksen.

I really like McMullin and just hope the injury won’t take up too much of his PS. I think he can be an efficient midfielder in time.

 

[sydney_gws]

I didn't say anything of the sort.

Instead of crowing for how great playing finals is perhaps do a review to actually put team in the best position to win them and end up higher up on the ladder.

Third year of finals and the Giants are out in an EF. This is a worse result compared to other years, or am I missing something??

They where significantly closer to their best team than we where . 6 of best 22 underdone or missing, they had only 2 ( day missing, Weddle underdone). I hope Adelaide thump Hawthorn. I will start a thread " Hawthorn in no man's land".

 

[sydney_gws]

I'm much the same.

I have endless belief in our players and squad. I'm much less hopeful in other aspects of our administration.

You mean drafting, I think pretty good, but now more " he's s Giants player crap". The club doesn't own the players , their not performing seals.