GREATER Western Sydney has collected the first piece of silverware in its five-year history after beating the Sydney Swans by four points to take out the NEAFL premiership on Sunday.
In a thrilling match at Blacktown International Sportspark, the Giants and Swans went goal for goal in the fourth quarter, with James Stewart kicking the match-winner in a tense finish.
AFL-listed pair Jake Barrett (32 possessions and two goals) and Rhys Palmer (32 and 1.4) were crucial in victory, while Stewart's two goals were decisive in the fourth quarter.
The win was soured, however, with Matt Kennedy suffering an ankle injury that puts his availability at AFL level in doubt.
Rookie Sam Reid was involved in a head clash with Swan Zak Jones but was able to play on.
Jones, however, who was a contender to replace injured teammate Callum Mills in next Saturday night's semi-final against Adelaide, was taken from the ground on a stretcher and did not return.
Mills has been ruled out of next week's semi final after the Swans confirmed he had suffered a grade one hamstring strain.
The club took the precaution of withdrawing defender Jeremy Laidler ahead of Sunday's Grand Final in case he was needed.
Ruckman Toby Nankervis was also withdrawn pre-game as cover for Kurt Tippett, who suffered a hairline fracture to his jaw in Saturday night's qualifying final against GWS.
Swans rookie Nic Newman was the star in Sunday's Grand Final, winning the Andrew Ireland Medal as best afield and finishing with 35 possessions and two goals.