IT WAS cold for both teams. 

It was wet for both teams.

It even snowed on both teams.

However, when it really counted, only one side came with the intensity required to win a crucial four points on a frosty Friday night in Canberra, and it wasn't the team with everything to play for.

For the record, Greater Western Sydney was missing a host of stars due to injury.

But Leon Cameron's men have stared down that kind of challenge before and conquered it.

GIANTS ABOMINABLE IN THE SNOW Full match coverage and stats

They also had more than enough talent and experience in their line-up to match Hawthorn, but instead of digging in for four quarters, they only did it for two, and watched their top four hopes vanish in the nation's capital.

The Hawks started with the first three goals of the match after dominating possession and monstering the Giants around stoppages, but the home side rallied to go into half-time just 13 points down.

That fight failed to emerge from the changerooms after the main break.

SNOW WAY! Giants and Hawks brave the elements in Canberra

To have any chance of seizing some real momentum GWS had to burst out of the blocks in the third quarter, but it was Hawthorn that booted the first goal of the term inside 30 seconds.

The Hawks kicked another three unanswered majors before the next break, and the only three of the last term.

GWS managed four points in an embarrassing second half.

Toby Greene, the Giants' best player on the night, shows his anguish at the result. Picture: AFL Photos

The Hawks have held the Giants to nine goals combined from the two clashes this year.

Cameron's decision to play Shane Mumford and Dawson Simpson in the conditions was puzzling and didn't work, with both players a liability when resting forward.

The Giants' youngsters and less experienced names have played some important roles in recent weeks, but they had no impact and were overwhelmed by an opposition that was more committed.

They could drop to sixth place by the end of the round and face the Western Bulldogs at home next weekend.

There might be some light if Josh Kelly, Harry Himmelberg, Matt de Boer and others can make it back next week, but a change of attitude, not just personnel, is what this team needs.

They've done it before, and the Giants' response needs to be swift against the Dogs.

Their season hinges on it.