BRENT Daniels has given enough goals away this year, so it was about time the Greater Western Sydney small forward got his time to shine.
Daniels is ranked second in the competition for total goal assists (25), behind teammate Harry Himmelberg (27), after Saturday's thrilling semi-final win over Brisbane.
However, with the game on the line and the clock ticking down to full-time, Daniels went from provider to finisher when he slotted one of the great finals goals to break the Lions' hearts.
The 20-year-old with pace to burn used his best assets, his wheels, to burn past Brisbane defender Alex Witherden, and check-side the Giants into a preliminary final showdown with Collingwood next week.
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"Once I picked it up, I knew I had him for speed," Daniels said after the win.
"I felt him behind me and I was moving away so I took a bounce.
"I had a look to see if anyone was on (inside) but once I decided to go I put it on the boot and thankfully enough it went through.
"Nailing it was nice.
"I've shanked a few drop punts so I've been practising those ones, and I was always going to go a 'nana'.
"I think the crowd was roaring pretty loudly, but I didn't hear a thing to be honest.
"I just backed myself in and it came off."
The Giants had to temper their joy temporarily after Daniels' heroics but they held on for a couple of tense minutes until the final siren sounded.
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"Two minutes is a long time in footy, but once we'd won the game it was a special feeling," Daniels said.
"Everyone dreams of kicking the goal to win the game in a final and we're off to the prelim which is unbelievable.
"It's special but it doesn't mean much if we don't win next week, so onwards and upwards from there."
Daniels and his great mate Jeremy Cameron. Picture: AFL Photos
Daniels played seven games in his debut season last year before being dropped after round 22, and he failed to feature in the Giants' two finals matches.
He said he's used that disappointment as motivation to play every game in 2019, and he believes he can play two more matches this season.
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"Last year I missed out and I took that into the pre-season," he said.
"I wanted to be a part of things because I knew we were going to be successful, so it's been something that's driven me this year to keep a spot in the team.
"We've got a really good group and I think we can go all the way if we play our best footy."
