With neither side a chance to make the final, the Greater Western Sydney Giants' game with the Western Bulldogs was a reflection on the season just gone.
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The banners weren't creative, sly sledges, but rather messages about the "Giant step" the game has taken over the past few months, and an indication of how proud the two clubs were to be a part of it.
The fact the loser was guaranteed the wooden spoon certainly didn't bother a healthy Canberra crowd, with 6,460 witnessing the Bulldogs defeat the Giants 7.10 (52) to 3.2 (20) at Manuka Oval.
Bulldogs coach Paul Groves says "it's hard not to be blown away" by the league's surge in popularity.
"I've got a little 19-month-old daughter at home and you're going well, this is different, this is going to be huge," Groves said.
"It's huge now, it's going to get better and better. It's been just such a roaring success, and I'm lucky that I get to work in it and I get to coach in it, so very privileged."
While they took the best part of two quarters to warm up, it was the Bulldogs lighting it up on a night when fireworks glistened in the Canberra sky.
Ellie Blackburn's second half masterclass set the Bulldogs up for their second win of the season, conceding just one goal as they nailed five of their own.
Both sides struggled to convert early with just three behinds were registered on the scoreboard in the opening quarter, before the Giants eventually found their groove at their second home.
The Giants' 11-point lead seemed like it would last an eternity as the Bulldogs struggled to make the most of sustained forward pressure until goals to Kirsty Lamb and Angelica Gogos gave the "daughters of the West" a sudden half time lead.
A tough third term sent the Giants into their final huddle of the season praying for a miracle, but it wasn't to be.
Majors to Bulldogs livewire Kirsten McLeod and Hannah Scott ensured their side finished on a high and leaving the Giants to lick their wounds.
Giants coach Tim Schmidt says while the Giants didn't get the reward for effort, he is keen to see the bulk of the group stay on next season.
"It's been exceptional, they've come a really long way," Schmidt said.
"From when we got them in November, to where they are now, the step has been huge. It doesn't stop here, we keep improving and keep developing."
At a glance
GWS GIANTS 0.1 2.1 2.2 3.2 (20)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.2 2.5 4.6 7.10 (52)
