GWS’ beer call to SCG catering never fulfilled after qualifying final loss to Sydney

As GWS surged toward a home preliminary final, the call was made to SCG catering to have the beers on ice. LACHLAN MCKIRDY unpacks what happened next after Sydney’s stirring come-from-behind win.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Stephen Coniglio of the Giants looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 07, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The beers were put on ice for the Giants following the Swans’ dramatic come-from-behind victory in Saturday afternoon’s qualifying final.

GWS had a lead as great as 28 points during the first half with a dominant display on the back of their incredible pressure.

Things were looking so good for the team in orange and charcoal that a call was put into SCG catering to have three cases of beer on standby if the result continued.

This masthead understands that the call may have been made as early as 4pm, barely a few minutes into the second quarter.

Braeden Campbell enjoys a crucial goal. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

However, the drinks never had to be retrieved from the cellar with Isaac Heeney masterminding a wonderful final term surge that saw the hosts win by six points.

Privately the Swans have taken the order as a sign of the Giants thinking the win and a place in the preliminary final was all but secured.

From GWS’ perspective, they were just being proactive and trying to be prepared for their players to celebrate in the event of a win given they would have had a week off.

Giants players look dejected after the final siren. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

No order was ever made, or cancelled, and they just wanted to ensure the venue could be organised before the chaos of full-time.

The club has also made similar arrangements at other matches when their players have a break of seven days or more, like many teams do with venues around the country.

But the Giants’ attention will now turn to a home semi-final on Saturday night as they look to keep their premiership hopes alive.

Originally published as GWS’ beer call to SCG catering never fulfilled after qualifying final loss to Sydney