GWS have turned to an unlikely goal source to all but secure their finals berth and ensure Gold Coast’s remains firmly on ice.
Harry Rowston had just one goal in 15 games before Saturday, when he booted four for the Giants in a 17.9 (111) to 11.10 (76) win at People First Stadium.
Victory would have likely meant an end to the Suns’ 15-year wait for a finals campaign.
And they looked likely after stalling the Giants’ fast start in the second term.
Harry Rowston after one of his majors on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
But with the Giants chasing their own finals-clinching victory, it was the visitors who tore clear behind supreme pressure and devastatingly accurate set-shot kicking.
Rowston’s haul, Max Gruzewski’s three majors and three other multiple goal-kickers ensured the Giants weren’t exposed by the absence of injured spearheads Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer.
The win was the Giants’ sixth straight against their expansion rivals and 15th from their past 16 encounters.
It almost certainly locks in their finals berth – the Giants’ third straight under Adam Kingsley – and keeps their top-four hopes alive.
The Suns’ September plans remain in pencil. They likely still need at least one win from their final-round double-header – against Port Adelaide and Essendon – to play in their first post-season since their 2011 admission.
AAP
