GWS coach Adam Kingsley hasn't yet given up hope of making a late AFL finals push but knows victory over Fremantle is imperative to his side's chances.
The Giants have won two of their last three fixtures - either side of a six-point defeat to Richmond - to breathe much-needed life back into their season.
Kingsley has his sights set on another triumph over Fremantle (6-6) at Giants Stadium on Saturday, which could help propel GWS (5-8) towards an unlikely September berth.
"It's certainly the aim. I think every team's still aiming to make finals," Kingsley said.
"Some are a little closer than others and there's a few in front of us who are a bit more of a possibility than what we are at the moment.
"But there's no reason why, with a shift of form and some really strong performances in the next month, (we can't) put ourselves in a really good position to attack finals."
The Giants have been boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sam Taylor and former captain Josh Kelly from hamstring injuries.
Key tall Taylor will make a welcome return for his first appearance since being substituted out of a loss to Brisbane in round six.
Fremantle had a four-match winning streak broken by Richmond last week and lost wingman James Aish to concussion.
But the Dockers have recalled ball-winner Jaeger O'Meara, who served a one-match ban for rough conduct, and are just as hungry to stay in the finals hunt.
"It's a really important game heading into our bye," Kingsley said.
"Ideally we get a great result and still within touch.
"We've prepared really well for a Fremantle team who we know is relatively inexperienced, alongside us, but who are competing really hard and really capable."
Kingsley said the ruck and clearance battles will be crucial to the outcome of Saturday's encounter as Giants tall Kieren Briggs looks to continue his strong form against Luke Jackson.
The athletic Jackson has shone in the lead ruck role for Fremantle in the absence of injured teammate Sean Darcy (hamstring).
"Our clearance game has improved on the back of (Briggs' recent form) and so has our pressure game," Kingsley said.
"He's been really vital in both those components of our game and it's a tough challenge this week against a really good in-form player in Luke Jackson, so that's going to challenge him.
"But we're looking forward to watching that battle unfold."
