WESTERN Bulldogs match-winner Jackson Macrae thought his goal to sink Greater Western Sydney had come with less time remaining on the clock.
Macrae converted a set shot with just under three minutes left, from about 30m out and only a slight angle to negotiate.
That score put the Dogs ahead by six points – a lead they never relinquished to break the club's streak of seven straight preliminary final losses.
"I thought there wasn't as much time left. I was a bit frustrated to hear there were a few minutes left," Macrae said at the club on Sunday.
Focusing on the basics was instrumental for Macrae sealing a famous victory.
"It wasn't the hardest shot in the world but I was pretty nervous," he said.
"(It was about) backing my routine in, controlling what I can control and praying that it went through."
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The Dogs have won just one premiership in their history, in 1954, and next Saturday's contest against the Sydney Swans will be their first decider since 1961.
Their fans were out in force at Whitten Oval on Sunday morning after five club organised buses arrived from across the border.
Having the chance to play off for a flag hasn't hit home for the 22-year-old.
"It hasn't fully sunken in yet. It was a bit surreal after the game and I didn't really sleep much last night," he said.
"We've just got to start focusing on next week and all the things that come with Grand Final week, which is going to be pretty new to all of us, except for Matt Suckling. Hopefully we can lean on him for a bit of support."
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Suckling won premierships over the past two years with Hawthorn but he missed the win over the Giants with his ongoing Achilles issue.
While the Dogs will have to deal with almost all of their players not having experienced the Grand Final stage, Macrae was confident the group could handle the pressure.
"In footy, you've got to enjoy those moments (after winning a big game). We've enjoyed it after the game and the next day, and although we're a young team, we're really mature," he said.
"Each time we've really enjoyed the win and then found the balance to switch straight back on to the next game. Hopefully we can do that again."
