Gutsy Giants kill off Crows’ finals hopes

AN INJURY-HIT GWS have consolidated their spot in the AFL top four while ending Adelaide’s season in Canberra by 14 points.

The Giants’ 13th victory of the season was hard-fought as the Crows’ slim finals hopes were on the line, but Leon Cameron’s side held on to win 15.16 (106) to 13.14 (92).

But GWS’ cursed run with injury has continued as veteran defender Heath Shaw (knee), All-Australian midfielder Josh Kelly (concussion) and Sam Reid (hamstring) all failed to see out the match.

Kelly was knocked out after a heavy tackle from Crows’ skipper Taylor Walker in the third quarter that is certain to draw attention from the match review officer.

But Shaw’s injury appears to be the worst of the lot.

Shaw went down midway through the final quarter and was taken from Manuka Oval on a medicab in a concerning sign for the 32-year-old.

Despite being down to one fit player on the bench, GWS were able to hold out a determined Crows team, desperate to avoid missing the top-eight following a grand final appearance last year.

Nothing separated the sides in the first half, but a Jacob Hopper goal just before threequarter-time saw the Giants take an 11-point lead into the final change. GWS GIANTS V ADELAIDE BEST 4.4 6.9 11.14 15.16 4.3 7.7 10.9 13.14 GOALS UMPIRES CROWD

After a tense final term, Hopper again popped up to kick the sealer with five minutes to go, taking the Giants to a 21-point lead.

Former No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield (30 possessions) and co-captain Callan Ward were shining lights for the Giants, while Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg, Aiden Bonar, Stephen Coniglio and Hopper booted two goals each.

A major positive for the Crows was the performance of Brodie Smith, who collected 29 touches in his second game back from ACL surgery.