As it happened: Giants hang on for epic one-point win over Swans, Greene makes umpire contact

But the Giants’ finals campaign could be derailed by this moment of madness from Greene. What was he thinking?

They came to see Lance Franklin create history, iced with a Swans win. Instead, they saw Sydney’s two displaced clubs deliver an epic elimination final in which the Giants prevailed in arguably the best match in the two clubs’ short history.

In one of the best finals in recent years, the Giants fell over the line by one point – 11.8 (74) to 10.13 (73) – at Launceston, but the thrilling victory was marred by another controversial incident involving Toby Greene for making contact with an umpire.

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Harry Himmelberg and Josh Kelly.Credit: Getty Images

How did the Swans lose that one?

They smashed the Giants for inside 50s 65-45 and had more scoring shots 23-19, but just could not find that go-ahead goal in the final term.

They booted an atrocious 2.7 to just one behind in the final quarter, including a pair of shots on goal that hit the post from Wicks and Bell.

But their inaccuracy has led to them paying the ultimate price, with their season coming to an end courtesy of a gut-wrenching one-point loss, despite fighting back from 29 points down.

GWS finished up winning the disposals 340-328, clearances 41-35, marks 90-86, contested possessions 145-132, free kicks 19-18.

Sydney 3.2, 5.4, 8.6, 10.13 (73)
GWS 3.2, 9.3, 11.7, 11.8 (74)

GOALS
Sydney: Heeney 4, Franklin 3, Papley 2, Bell
GWS: Greene 3, Himmelberg 2, Sproule 2, Hogan 2, Taranto, Lloyd

DISPOSALS
Sydney: Parker 33, Heeney 21, Rampe 21
GWS: Perryman 29, Kelly 28, Taranto 25, Hopper 23, Whitfield 21

INTERCEPTS
Sydney: Melican 10, Rampe 9, McCartin 7
GWS: Taylor 9, Perryman 6, Reid 6, Stein 5

Giants celebrate.Credit: Getty Images

How about this desperation from Perryman at the death?

It remains to be seen whether the MRO will see it this way...

Some more reaction to the Giants’ win...

Stephen Coniglio spoke to Channel Seven after the game.

Q: The Battle of the Bridge. You always produce some ripping contest but this has to be absolutely the best. How do you sum up that win?
A: Yes, they were coming. We were holding on for dear life in the last five minutes. Had to find a way. Just so proud of the boys. That effort by Toby at the very end sums up what kind of player he is and what we are willing to do for each other

Q: Toby Greene, he was very emotional then. You just mentioned the man but very emotional at the final siren here today.
A: It has been obviously a big match for us. You know, thinking of everyone back home, myself and the Swans, everyone is doing it tough back home. Got a little bit tough today. We just had to find a way. Hopefully we can bring a smile to the Giants fans back in NSW and
Canberra.

Q: It has been a challenging year. You started 0-3. You lost key players through to injury throughout the year. You have been on the road for over two months now. How proud of you of this group and getting a win?
A: I’m proud that we can keep going. I come in today confident, we were, but we have a few weeks to play.

But the Giants’ finals campaign could be derailed by this moment of madness from Greene. What was he thinking?

Here’s some of the reaction to GWS’s epic victory...