If GWS suspected they had a cursed AFL finals injury record, the sight of Phil Davis limping to the MCG bench in the opening term of Saturday’s preliminary final against Collingwood confirmed it.
Having endured the early loss of Callan Ward in 2016’s preliminary final and Dylan Shiel in 2017, history looked set to repeat – with their other co-captain the victim.
Davis suffered a dislocated finger, pre-game, appeared to injure his calf early in the game and followed that up with a shoulder complaint.
But unlike previous years, when concussions ended Ward and Shiel’s respective preliminary finals, Davis was able to forge on – albeit out of position and sore – as the Giants fought through to their maiden grand final.
Unfortunately, that momentous victory might well have come at a cost – and GWS could potentially enter their first grand final without either of their co-captains.
That said, it was an individual effort that encapsulated GWS’ team resilience.
Davis didn’t record a disposal in the opening half – but, crucially, didn’t cost his side with rotations or structure, predominantly playing a role up forward.
He was far from the only Giant to step up.
The Giants were already up against it, with Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio and Brett Deledio on the sidelines. When Lachie Whitfield (appendicitis) and Toby Greene (suspension) joined them, the situation looked dire.
This was only the seventh occasion since Whitfield joined the club that the Giants had fielded a line-up without either he or Greene in the 22. They had lost the previous six times – not this time.
In Whitfield’s absence, Zac Williams stood tall, with the dashing half-back stepping up in a standout midfield performance, while Josh Kelly – absent for so much of the season – and Tim Taranto worked hard all day.
Down back, Nick Haynes (30 disposals, nine marks) took Davis’ defensive absence on his shoulders – with assistance from Sam Taylor and the resolute Heath Shaw.
But when the Magpies were surging late, it was Davis – injuries and all – who went back to plug the hole, including taking one decisive intercept mark.
Having seen off the Pies, Davis will race the clock – and GWS’ unlikely flag hopes might rest on how he handles that sprint.