AFL Top 100: Can Greater Western Sydney Finally Use Their Experience to End Repeated Finals Disappointment in 2025?

AFL Top 100: Can Greater Western Sydney Finally Use Their Experience to End Repeated Finals Disappointment in 2025?

 

The Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS) have long been a club full of promise, but their repeated inability to translate that potential into sustained success in finals football has left many wondering whether 2025 could finally be their breakthrough year. For years, GWS has been a team on the verge — showing moments of brilliance but failing to break through when it matters most. With a mixture of experience, talent, and resilience now at their disposal, the question is: can they finally use their accumulated experience to break the cycle of finals disappointment?

 

Since their inception in 2012, the Giants have built a team that many believe should be among the AFL’s elite. The club quickly attracted top-tier talent, aided by their ability to draft well and trade wisely. Players like Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, and Lachie Whitfield have all established themselves as stars of the competition, with Greene in particular regarded as one of the most exciting forwards in the game. Alongside them, younger talents such as Tom Green, Harry Perryman, and Sam Taylor have emerged, forming a solid foundation for the club’s future.

 

However, despite this abundance of talent, the Giants have struggled to consistently perform in the finals. Their most significant near-miss came in 2019 when they made it all the way to the Grand Final, only to fall short against Richmond. Since then, GWS has found themselves on the periphery of finals contention, often entering the postseason with high expectations, only to be eliminated in disappointing fashion. They have been knocked out in the semifinals in 2020 and 2021, and missed the finals altogether in 2022. These results, coupled with the high profile departure of some key players and internal reshuffling, raised questions about the club’s ability to finally break the cycle of postseason mediocrity.

 

As we move into 2025, the Giants will be hoping that they can finally make good on their promise. Several factors indicate that they are primed for a successful tilt at the premiership in the upcoming season, not least their growing experience in big games.

 

Firstly, the core group of players who have now experienced multiple finals campaigns are at a crucial juncture in their careers. Players like Greene, Coniglio, and Whitfield are entering their prime and have the leadership qualities necessary to guide the team through pressure moments. This level of experience is invaluable. The key to success in finals is not just talent, but composure, maturity, and the ability to adapt to the intensity and unpredictability of the postseason. These players now understand what it takes to reach the top — but the next step is learning how to deliver under the most intense pressure.

 

Importantly, GWS’s forward line, which has often been inconsistent, has matured significantly. Greene has established himself as the leader of the attack, while young stars like Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi offer strong support. If they can get consistent service from midfielders like Tim Taranto and Green, the Giants will have the attacking firepower to challenge any side in the competition.

 

In the middle of the ground, GWS’s midfield depth is also an asset. The emergence of players like Green, Taranto, and Perryman provides a well-rounded engine room. Additionally, the team’s experienced players, such as Ward and Coniglio, bring that crucial balance of skill, work rate, and leadership. The midfield is often where finals are won and lost, and GWS now possesses the tools to match it with the best in the league.

 

The team’s backline is another area where experience and youth come together effectively. With the likes of Sam Taylor, an elite key defender, and Whitfield providing plenty of run off half-back, GWS has the defensive stocks to handle the best attacking sides. The stability in defense, coupled with the growing chemistry in the back six, will allow the team to play with confidence when the pressure is on.

 

However, it’s not just about individual talent. GWS must also ensure they have the tactical nous to navigate the rigors of finals football. Coach Adam Kingsley’s leadership will be critical in guiding the team through this crucial phase. Kingsley, who took over in 2023, has implemented a fresh approach to the team’s game style, focusing on building a more balanced and resilient team. His ability to manage the pressure of finals football and foster a winning mentality will be key to GWS’s fortunes in 2025.

 

One area that GWS must focus on is their consistency. In previous seasons, the Giants have been guilty of failing to turn up in critical moments, especially when facing sides in the top half of the ladder. Their ability to deliver strong performances week in, week out will be crucial in securing a finals berth and navigating the pressures of the postseason.

 

In terms of their competition, GWS will be up against some of the league’s best sides, including Richmond, Geelong, Melbourne, and Collingwood, all of whom have formidable track records in the finals. However, with their growing experience and talent, GWS has shown they can match it with the best of them, particularly when they fire on all cylinders.

 

Ultimately, 2025 could be the year when GWS finally uses their accumulated experience to break the cycle of finals disappointment. With a talented list, seasoned leaders, and a more mature approach to big games, the Giants are in a position to make a serious charge at the premiership. The key will be whether they can put everything together when it matters most and show that their talent and experience can carry them across the line in the finals. If they do, they will finally silence the critics and prove that they are a legitimate AFL contender.