GREATER Western Sydney star Brent Daniels knows the cliché is boring, but it's never been more relevant with a derby final on the horizon.
To go further in September, the Giants must achieve what they have struggled to do this year - beat Sydney.
Defeating the minor premiers in a qualifying final at the SCG on September 7 will be no easy task for Adam Kingsley's men after they lost both derbies this season.
But GWS will be wiping the slate clean, with Daniels also embracing the classic "one week at a time" adage.
Jake Riccardi (finger), Toby Bedford (calf) and Lachie Ash (suspension) are in line to return, meaning the Giants should be at full strength.
They were without All-Australian defender Sam Taylor and midfield bull Stephen Coniglio in their round 15 Sydney Derby.
The Giants have also earned the safety net of a double chance by finishing in the top four.
"Just really focused on next week. It's a cliche, but we've just got to focus on the task in hand," Daniels said.
"They have got the better of the last few games, but last time we played I reckon we had probably five or six of our best players out.
"It's no excuse, but it does play a big part in these big games.
"We'll have a full list this time around and we think if we play our best footy, we can definitely compete with them."
With GWS having played on the road for its entire post-season campaign last year, Daniels said the qualifying final almost felt like a home game.
"Obviously, we don't have to leave (Sydney)," he said.
"The SCG, I love playing there as well, so it's not too much of a disadvantage.
"Because we do travel so much, it is nice to stay in Sydney for a couple of weeks.
"You get to sleep in your own bed, which we don't get to do all that often.
"That's just one of the main benefits of finishing in the top four, you probably get a few more nights at home."
With his contract set to expire at the end of 2025, Daniels turned his back on free agency to re-sign with Greater Western Sydney for a further six years earlier in the week.
The 25-year-old enters the finals after a career-best home-and-away campaign.
Daniels was named in the extended 44-man All-Australian squad for the first time this year, kicking 23 goals in 22 games and producing a league-high 33 goal assists.
He also sits in the elite category for small forwards in disposals (18.1 per game), kicks (10.8), handballs (7.3) and tackles (4.3) for 2024.
"One of the main reasons I decided to sign so early was we've got a list of young talent that can compete for a long time," Daniels said.
"That's what I want to do with my footy. I want to be able to play with a good team that can compete and continue to push for premierships and things like that.
"I've really relished the opportunity to be playing consecutive footy.
"The last sort of six or eight weeks has been really positive for me and I've really loved it."
