Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson rates GWS ready for a maiden AFL finals campaign but predicts plenty of hard work for his reigning premiers after a 75-point savaging by the Giants.
The Giants moved above Hawthorn (both 4-2) on percentage, as they kicked a club record 24.14 (158) to 12.11 (83) and a delirious at Spotless Stadium crowd chanted "here come the Giants" on Saturday night.
The league's youngest club looks to have already arrived as a finals contender after notching a third straight win.
Veteran forward Steve Johnson produced his first five-goal effort since June 2012 when GWS were on the receiving end and he was wearing Geelong's colours.
Emerging ruckman-forward Rory Lobb kicked an equal career-best four goals and chief spearhead Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene and Rhys Palmer all bagged three majors.
With Lachie Whitfield and Dylan Shiel in irresistible form and driving an eager corps of on-ballers, the Giants frequently moved the Sherrin with thrilling speed and precision.
When four-time premiership-winning coach Clarkson was asked if the Giants were ready to contest the finals he replied "I think so, they looked really impressive tonight".
Predictably, Giants coach Leon Cameron downplayed what was surely the best victory in the fifth-year franchise's history, describing it as a "good solid win".
"There was no doubt Hawthorn struggled through the game. That's not them but to the guys' credit their pressure was good," Cameron said.
"When Hawthorn kicked two or three we responded and kicked a couple of goals. That was the most pleasing thing."
Clarkson said his side were well beaten in just about every facet of the game.
They were walloped 153-114 in contested possessions and 20-6 in contested marks, with Lobb single-handedly outscoring Hawthorn in the latter department with eight grabs.
"We're under no illusions as to where we're at and what we need to do," Clarkson said.
"But it's going to take some hard work.
"We're still 4-2 so our season is still well and truly alive for us but we've got to find a way to play a little bit better than what we did tonight."
Jack Gunston kicked five goals and Luke Breust three for Hawthorn, with Sam Mitchell racking up 26 touches.
Defender James Frawley suffered concussion while veteran Giants midfielder Ryan Griffen was withdrawn from the side with a back injury that could sideline him for four to six weeks.
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