GWS coach Leon Cameron says Giants can go all the way after top-four finish

LEON Cameron admits he didn’t think the Giants were top-four material six months ago. Now a top-four finish has fuelled a belief a premiership is within reach.

GWS coach Leon Cameron.

IN AN honest appraisal of his side’s stunning emergence, Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron says he didn’t believe the Giants were top-four material heading in to this season.

But now that it has secured a double chance on the back of a 37-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Cameron is adamant the AFL’s newest side can pinch what would be a shock maiden premiership.

MATCH REPORT: GIANTS LOCK IN TOP-FOUR SPOT

Assuming Hawthorn defeats Collingwood, the Giants’ first-ever final will be against cross-town rival Sydney at ANZ Stadium in a match Cameron said would be huge for the code in New South Wales.

It’s a position Cameron freely admits he did not suspect his side would be in back in March, with its highest previous ladder position an 11th-placed finish last year.

“I knew that we would take another step from our 11 wins last year,” Cameron said.

“But to sit in fourth spot, I definitely didn’t think that was going to happen.

“But as the momentum of the season has built you definitely change your beliefs and focus, that you may be able to get there.”

Steve Johnson kicked four goals against the Kangaroos. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

In what has been the most even of seasons, Cameron said his youthful side has the belief that it can win the flag in just its fifth season.

“Absolutely (we can),” he said.

“The season is just full of surprises. I’m sure West Coast is sitting there thinking they can win it, I think Adelaide will bounce back.

“I think anyone can win it and we’re sitting in the top four at the moment, which is fantastic.

“We get a double chance, where that takes us to, I believe that our players can go all the way. But having said that, there’s a hell of a lot of work to do.”

GWS coach Leon Cameron consoles North Melbourne champ Brent Harvey.

The Giants have played Sydney twice this year, losing by 25 points at the SCG in Round 3 and winning by 42 at Spotless Stadium in Round 12.

Cameron said the ebbs and flows of the season meant it was hard to read too much in to those results, but did not back away from the significance of the match-up should it eventuate.

“If it is then it’s going to be terrific,” he said.

“In terms of footy in NSW — and I’ve only been there for four years — it’s just going to be enormous for us if it does happen.

“We’re building our membership, we’re up to nearly 16,000, the Swans are over 50,000 ... so each year we go on the Giants are growing the game but also the Swans continue to grow the game.

“To have a derby in a final would be outstanding.”

Originally published as GWS coach Leon Cameron says Giants can go all the way after top-four finish