Jeremy Cameron – 2
The Giants' key forward didn't get his first kick until early in the last quarter. Out of sorts and had no impact on the game, very disappointing for a player of his calibre.
Stephen Coniglio – 7
A dominating performance in the midfield racking up touches at will. Used the ball on most occasions (70 per cent efficiency) and possesses plenty of pace to take it out of the packs and stream to the outside.
Full match coverage and stats
Phil Davis – 6
Did a great job negating the impact of Tom Boyd. Moved on to one of the Bulldogs' smaller forwards when Boyd spent time in the ruck after the injury to Jordan Roughhead.
Toby Greene – 7
Dangerous whenever he got a sniff of a goal. Booted three majors and showed great poise to kick a clutch goal early in the last term. Delivered a terrific smother to create a goal from nothing early in the game.
It was a great year but ultimately unfulfilling for Toby Greene. Picture: AFL Photos
Ryan Griffen – 5
A quiet day for the former Bulldogs captain. Did what he needed to do in the midfield without being a standout.
Nick Haynes – 6
A strong presence in defence for the Giants. Knew exactly when to come off his man and drop into the space and take crucial intercept marks.
Jacob Hopper – 3
Quiet game for the first-year midfielder. Still finding his way in this brilliant Giants engine room. Needs to become more active and get to the right spots.
Five things we learned: Giants v Bulldogs
Josh Kelly – 7
Got going in the second quarter with 10 possessions to lead all players at the break with 16 touches. Has elite running capacity and covers plenty of ground, but disposal quality needs improving.
Rory Lobb – 7
It's easy to see why there's plenty of trade interest in the tall forward. Kicked three goals as a marking target in the forward line. Did some handy work around the ground in the ruck as well.
Shane Mumford – 7
Typical lion-hearted performance in the ruck, getting around the ground well and pushing back to take key marks in defence. Took advantage of the injury to Roughead and gained advantage in the ruck battle in the second half.
Rhys Palmer – 5
The former NAB Rising Star winner didn't have a huge impact in his return to the side. Replaced the suspended Steve Johnson for the preliminary final.
Dogs, not bye, beat Giants, says Cameron
Joel Patfull – 3
The veteran defender had a very quiet game. Didn't get much of the ball and got showed up by the Bulldogs' small forwards.
Jonathon Patton – 7
The main marking target inside the Giants' forward 50 and did his part kicking four goals. Very strong overhead and won his individual battle.
And just like that, the @GWSGIANTS are back within one point! #AFLFinals https://t.co/lyYTrcfRYU
— AFL (@AFL) September 24, 2016
Tom Scully – 7
Had a huge second quarter with 11 disposals and was his usual busy self around the ground. Finished the game with 30 possessions. Provided lots of outside run and crucial touches on the wing.
Heath Shaw – 5
The veteran defender didn't have any time to himself with the Bulldogs applying plenty of pressure whenever he got near the ball. Launched a sensational goal from outside 50m near the end of the third quarter.
Dylan Shiel – 6
Accumulated lots of the ball (28 possessions) without having a significant impact on the match. Inaccurate in front of goal kicking 0.2.
Stevie J not done yet
Devon Smith – 5
Was hardly noticed despite picking up 16 touches and kicking a goal on the half-forward line. Performed his role without standing out.
Adam Tomlinson – 4
Had an extremely quiet game with just the 11 possessions playing in the backline. Serviceable without standing out.
Callan Ward – 1
Played a strong first quarter before copping Zaine Cordy's knee to his jaw in the second term. Returned to the bench, but after having a concussion test didn't return to the game.
Callan Ward is down after a knee to the head in this marking contest. #AFLFinals https://t.co/wIZHGGRX2N
— AFL (@AFL) September 24, 2016
Lachie Whitfield – 7
Very influential with lots of outside run and drive down the wing. Used the ball really well and was pivotal in the transition between attack and defence. Not afraid to throw his body around.
How the fans saw it: Giants v Bulldogs
Zac Williams – 5
Was kept largely under check and wasn't allowed the space to rebound off half-back. Only had the 15 possessions and couldn't get into the game.
Nathan Wilson – 5
Did some nice things without being a stand-out. Used the ball at 75 per cent with his 20 possessions and had four inside 50s.