GREATER Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron says the Giants are "rapt with the way we're heading" after they claimed their sixth win for the season in a thrilling final-round triumph over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
The Giants' first win at Etihad Stadium, by six points, followed a maiden victory at the MCG over Melbourne in round 21.
By advancing to six wins, the Giants finished 2014 on a high and with five more victories than last season.
Cameron was particularly pleased his charges – all but five of whom were aged under 21 - responded after the Bulldogs rode a wave of Daniel Giansiracusa-inspired emotion to hit the front in the last quarter.
"It was really pleasing to win a close game. We've probably had five or six this year where we've either led or got close and then just couldn't get over the line," Cameron said post-match.
"But to win a really good close game with our young group is absolutely fantastic.
"In the end, it's fantastic for our guys to play in that sort of atmosphere. Especially when they dominated the third quarter.
"Just to win in that sort of environment and when the game's up for grabs there's just little individual efforts you can see the players are going above and beyond."
The Giants avoided the wooden spoon for the first time in their three-year history and finished in 16th spot on the ladder - two wins ahead of Melbourne and St Kilda and only four points behind the Brisbane Lions and Dogs.
Cameron said his young charges now understand that pure talent is not enough to guarantee wins without a liberal dose of hard work.
"Obviously it's (the win) not affecting the ladder. What it does mean is that it reinforces that our football program is on the right track," Cameron said.
"We've been really competitive this year, we're rapt with the way we're heading.
"We know we've got an enormous amount of work to do over our fourth pre-season, but guys like Will (Hoskin-Elliott), who is into his third season, is starting to make a mark on their careers."
Hoskin-Elliott booted five goals against the Dogs in a dazzling display, including two in a frantic final term.
"We stood up in the last quarter and we got what wanted to come here and do (which) is win," the 20-year-old said.
The Giants farewelled ex-Cat Josh Hunt on Sunday, while ex-Port Adelaide and Hawthorn player Stephen Gilham has also retired.
Cameron said the Giants continue to gain benefit from recruiting mature-age players – such as Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw.
"There's no doubt we'll look to continue to add some mature players to our list over the trade period," he said.
The Giants coach said the club expects to head to the NAB AFL Draft with its first pick, but conceded it was also on the trade table.
"Absolutely, I do expect to but anything's possible," he said.
"You're trying to get the best outcome for your football club and if other clubs are willing to talk about that then we will talk about is as well."
