Greater Western Sydney's first trip to Geelong was a formative experience for many of their AFL players, particularly Nick Haynes.
GWS return to arguably the league's most intimidating venue on Saturday night for a high-stakes blockbuster, with the winner to join Adelaide in securing a home qualifying final.
The Cattery, a venue where Geelong have suffered seven losses since the start of 2008, proved a baptism of fire for Haynes during the expansion club's maiden season.
"We were actually going alright until halftime then they turned the screws and absolutely pumped us," Haynes recalled of his debut against that year's reigning premiers.
"They were at the top of their powers. It was a good experience, we learned a lot.
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"I was playing forward at that stage. Matthew Scarlett, one of the best defenders of all time, lined up on me. That's when it hit me, geez, I'm playing AFL footy."
It was the match where Steve Johnson, still working his magic in the Geelong hoops, booted five goals and quipped to a future teammate that "I've won more premierships than you've played games".
It was one of 14 matches in 2012 that the Giants lost by 10 goals or more.
It's also part of the reason GWS have become a premiership contender.
Haynes, who regularly clunks intercept marks at clutch moments and has become a vital cog in the club's back six, is one of seven stars still on GWS's books after being selected in the talent-laden 2011 draft.
Foundation players Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Cameron and Nathan Wilson, all signed as teenagers prior to the draft, have followed the same journey.
Haynes suggested bonds formed on and off the field amid the early beltings helped GWS develop.
"It's a real core group. We're all 23, 24 or 25 years old, turning into men," he said.
"We've got all those games under our belt but importantly played a lot of footy together. We're had that progression and we're still improving."
Haynes has shared many milestones with teammates but a maiden win in Geelong has so far proven elusive.
"Ticking that off would be a nice way to finish the regular season," he said.
"We know Geelong in Geelong is a tough task ... we're expecting a real hostile crowd and an arm-wrestle.
"It's a big game. Our tackling pressure and contested ball is right back up there, hopefully we can bring that and secure a home qualifying final."
