A crucial behind from Nicola Barr with just four seconds left has secured GWS a thrilling one-point AFLW triumph over Hawthorn at Sydney's Henson Park.
The margin had stayed within single figures throughout a gripping contest that seemed set for a deserved draw until Barr gathered a loose ball inside the Giants' forward 50 and snapped the decisive point in the 4.10 (34) to 5.3 (33) win.
The Hawks looked on the way to victory with a strong breeze at their back in the final term when Bridie Hipwell kicked truly to give them a one goal lead with four minutes remaining.
But the Giants (3-5) responded a minute later when Georgia Garnett marked on the goalline and quickly played on to level the scores.
Both teams defended desperately in the final minutes as the ball pinged back and forth until Barr's timely intervention.
Alyce Parker was inspirational for the Giants throughout with a game-high 30 disposals, with Alicia Eva (21) and Garnett (20) also integral to their ball movement in tricky conditions.
"The most pleasing part of the final play was Alyce Parker not blazing away because sometimes in close games when the runner is coming out saying '30 seconds left' it's just chaos," Giants coach Cam Bernasconi said.
"Alyce's ability to show some composure and then have that release handball to Barrsy, and then Barrsy kicking the winning point, shows why it's a team game."
The loss snapped the Hawks' (3-5) three-match winning streak and all but ended their finals hopes in an impressive debut season.
Tilly Lucas-Rodd overcame a slow start to be pivotal in the second half as the Hawks' skipper gathered 18 disposals, with young gun Jasmine Fleming also influential with 11 clean touches.
"GWS controlled large amounts of that game, their midfield was really superior to ours," Hawks coach Bec Goddard said.
"Our young players, Jas Fleming, Charlotte Baskaran, Lucy Wales all got a lesson in what a good midfield looks like."
Both teams made a bright start on a sunny afternoon but it was the Giants who looked slicker, with some smart handball opening up the game.
Tarni Evans sparked the Giants early with a left-foot bomb from the 50m arc that sailed high with the breeze for her first AFLW major and a goal-of-the-round contender.
Akec Makur Chuot raised the bar in the second term after reading a clearing kick deep in the forward pocket, knocking the ball to ground then having the composure to slot the goal from a tight angle.
But while both teams kicked goals of the highest quality, it was the Giants' run and carry in blustery conditions that arguably gave them the opportunity to snatch the game.
Hawthorn face a tough task hosting premiership contender Brisbane on Saturday night, while GWS will travel to Mildura to face Richmond on Sunday.
