Greater Western Sydney have continued their winning run, knocking off St Kilda in an elimination final at the MCG on Saturday with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Toby Bedford making significant contributions for either outfit.
After successfully appealing a one-match ban on Thursday to run out with the Giants, Bedford made the most of his good fortune with a pair of goals and consistent work around the ball in the visitors front half in the 15.11 (101) - 11.11 (77) win.
GWS lead at each change after St Kilda's optimistic start.
Bedford made his presence known early by nearly affecting a crowd-raising run-down tackle, before getting into work making opportunities with ball in hand down the wing to give GWS an opportunity at goal.
After slotting a set shot in the first quarter, a second came via a right-footy snap moments after making a penetrative run through the corridor and delivering deep inside 50 for back-to-back Giants goal as they looked to be running away from the Saints.
A missed snapping attempt in the final term should have seen Bedford enter the shed with three.
Despite his side going down to end their 2023 season, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was impressive off the hosts half back line in concert with his breakout season.
His 23 possessions delivered opportunities to teammates up the ground to keep in touch, although the Saints struggled to contain scoreboard pressure each time they found momentum in cutting down the deficit.
A run-down tackle on GWS captain Toby Green 65 metres out from St Kilda's goal led directly to his side responding after letting things slip, and found a metre of space to snap form 45 for a major of his own a short time later on the verge of the final break.
He regularly linked-up with veteran Brad Hill coming out of the back half of the ground.
Hill himself hit the scoreboard and racked up 29 possessions while refusing to go away.
The 30-year-old three-time premiership Hawk capitalised on his finals experience, and made a strong case for being the Saints best if not for a 38 possession display from captain Jack Steele.
The Giants move on to face the loser of Saturday night's qualifying final between Brisbane and Port next week.
