GWS 12.11.83

WESTERN BULLDOGS 13.10.88

Has there ever been a grand final run achieved against greater odds? The battlers from the west, riddled by turmoil two years ago after losing their captain and coach have become the first team to make the decider after finishing seventh on the ladder. They've overcome injury after injury - most notably a season-ender in round three to captain Bob Murphy - and then had to beat both of last year's grand finalists en route to the prelim. They trailed by 14 points early in the final term, but somehow found a way back, led by sublime late efforts from Marcus Bontempelli and Jason Johannisen.

As for the Giants, their time will surely come. But not yet.