First MCG final thrills Giants AFL side

Greater Western Sydney will achieve another club goal when they play their first AFL finals match at the MCG, where they have won just one of 12 games.

Giants players leave the MCG.

The MCG hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the AFL's newest club, GWS, who have won once there. (AAP)

They have a dreadful MCG record and their fans will be massively outnumbered, but Greater Western Sydney couldn't be more excited about playing their first AFL finals match at the iconic venue.

In the last two seasons, GWS have played three finals at different Sydney venues and one at Adelaide Oval.

Saturday's preliminary final against Richmond represents another landmark in the history of the AFL's newest club.

"It's something we've aspired to since the day we started the club - when can we get to the MCG in a final," GWS chief executive David Matthews told AAP.

"We're there this week and we'd love to be there the week after."

The Giants have a 1-10 record at the MCG, where they have lost all three of their games against Richmond.

Their supporters are unlikely to number more than 2000 in a crowd that could be up to 45 times that size.

Outsiders continue to snipe at GWS over their attendances following last weekend's semi-final crowd at Spotless Stadium, but Matthews says he's comfortable with the way the club is tracking in that area.

The issue was raised again after last Saturday's match drew 14,865, the smallest AFL finals attendance in 101 years.

Both their home attendances and membership numbers are up this year and Matthews was confident GWS would continue building their support base.

'We played our 47th game at Spotless Stadium on the weekend, so we're a young club, we're six years in, we're building in every area of the club," he said.

"I'm quite comfortable with where it's up to.

'We got 60,000 in a final last year against the Swans, we sold out the Western Bulldogs (preliminary final in 2016), we know we'll continue to build."

With Josh Kelly finally signing a contract extension, foundation player and small forward Devon Smith is the only long-term Giant yet to commit to the club beyond this year.

The skilful goalsneak has been troubled by knee issues through the second half of the season and is battling to regain a place in the senior side.

"Right now he's just been focused on trying to get his body right and get back to playing football," Matthews said.


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Source: AAP



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