KATE McCarthy has a slightly different take on Friday night's do-or-die NAB AFL Women’s match against Greater Western Sydney in Blacktown.

While the loser will be done for the season and the winner still a chance to make the Grand Final, the Brisbane speedster said the result should have no bearing on how the Lions approach the match.

"We only play seven games in a season, so regardless of whether you can make the Grand Final or you can't, you've got everything to play for in such a short season," McCarthy said. 

It's an approach that has made the Lions difficult to beat through the first two years of the competition. 

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However, after successive losses – to Melbourne and Collingwood – they find themselves in the position of not only needing to beat the Giants, but also relying on other results. 

Adelaide and Melbourne would both need to lose for the Lions to make a second consecutive decider.

"We do have to rely on some other results, but if we put a good performance together on Friday night, hopefully we can take care of our side of the equation," McCarthy said.

"We've got everything to play for."

McCarthy was one of the shining lights of the inaugural season, kicking nine goals and dazzling with her blistering speed and infectious excitement. 

This season hasn't been as easy though, with opponents wary of not giving her any room to run. 

Friday night would be a good time for the 25-year-old to recapture her best form, with the Lions struggling to match teams in the first half in their past two losses. 

They spotted Collingwood a four-goal lead in no time, and McCarthy said that simply can't happen against the much-improved Giants.

"Our starts have been something we've been trying to improve … we'll be hoping to come out firing from the first siren," she said.

"The Giants play really well as a team, they don't rely on individuals. That makes them difficult to play against."