A diehard footy fan all of his life, GWS defender Jack Buckley can't remember a season with as many twists and turns as 2024.
The Giants' top-four ambitions go on the line when they face red-hot Hawthorn, who have won 11 of their last 14 games, at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday.
Buckley said GWS were putting the work in to try to stop the Hawks' "incredible momentum" and reverse a thrilling six-point loss against them back in round 13.
"Another great game playing another team that's around you on the ladder," Buckley told AAP after GWS's two-point win point against Melbourne.
"They're (Hawthorn) flying so we'll really delve into what they're doing well and try our best to put a stop to the incredible momentum they're gaining."
Just two games separates fourth to 12th in one of the tightest finals races in VFL/AFL history.
Buckley, who was born into a footy family with his father Ben playing for North Melbourne, then working for the AFL, admits even players have been getting caught up in the closeness of the season.
"I've been a massive footy fan for a long time and I can't really remember watching a season like it, let alone even playing in it," he said.
"The ramifications for one loss and one win on the ladder is just unheard of.
"You want every game to be a game where anyone can win and I think we're getting that at the moment.
"It's great to play in so many close games and tight contests."
GWS' only forced change was forward Jake Riccardi, who has undergone surgery on a dislocated finger and will miss the rest of the home-and-away season.
Hawthorn will travel to Canberra for the first time since their famous match in 2019 in the snow.
