Giants swing sub surprise in bittersweet week against AFL’s dark horse in do-or-die clash — LIVE

September’s do-or-die nature officially begins this afternoon, with GWS and Hawthorn locking horns in what promises to be an elimination final epic in western Sydney.

The Giants (16-7, 115.3%) fell short of a double chance this campaign on percentage, and have been dealt a bittersweet week at the selection table amid half a dozen injuries.

Meanwhile, the Hawks (15-8, 120.9%) rounded out this year’s top eight on the all-important 15 wins, and have been a much better side this season than their eighth place suggests.

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The Giants confirmed three key ins to their side, despite a double blow earlier on Thursday. Jesse Hogan — who’d missed the past three games — Jake Stringer and Josh Kelly will all return to play, with fringe trio Jacob Wehr, Harry Rowston and Max Gruzewski excluded. Kelly hasn’t played since Round 20.

Additionally, Stephen Coniglio has exited concussion protocols since his Round 24 knock against St Kilda to maintain his place in the side.

But unfortunately for the home side, crucial key defender Jack Buckley and forward-midfield ace Brent Daniels have been ruled out of the do-or-die bout as they continue to be affected by injury.

As for the Hawks, speedster Weddle has been locked in to reclaim his spot in Sam Mitchell’s side for the first time since Round 16 after getting through in the VFL last Saturday. Sam Butler also comes in after solid reserves form.

But those inclusions come at the expense of the Hawks’ forward mix, with key forward Mitch Lewis omitted along with retiring veteran Luke Breust.

The match gets underway at 3:15pm AEST at ENGIE Stadium, with Josh Kelly (Giants) and Changkuoth Jiath (Hawks) the starting subs. There were no late changes.

Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504), and streaming on Kayo, from 2pm AEST.

Follow our live coverage of the first Elimination Final between GWS and Hawthorn in our blog below!

GWS GIANTS TEAM

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash

C: J.Kelly, S.Coniglio, R.Angwin

HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones

F: T.Greene (c), J.Hogan, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green

I/C: J.Fonti, J.Riccardi, X.O’Halloran, H.Thomas, J.Stringer

EMG: M.Gruzewski, H.Rowston, J.Wehr

HAWTHORN TEAM

B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), M.D’Ambrosio

C: K.Amon, J.Ward, D.Moore

HF: C.Macdonald, M.Chol, N.Watson

F: J.Gunston, C.Dear, J.Ginnivan

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Worpel

I/C: J.Scrimshaw, C.Nash, C.Jiath, J.Weddle, S.Butler

EMG: L.Breust, C.Mackenzie, M.Ramsden