GWS players celebrate a goal against West Coast in round 23, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos.

GWS have finished off their AFL home campaign with a convincing 54-point win over West Coast, but it wasn't enough to save their season. 

Needing a win to maintain their slim hopes of a wild card spot, GWS kicked nine straight goals as they charged to a 16.15 (111) to 7.15 (57) victory at Engie Stadium.

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However, Carlton’s draw with the Bulldogs later on Sunday afternoon made it impossible for both GWS and St Kilda to finish 10th.

Even before the result of Carlton’s game was known, GWS coach Adam Kingsley noted where the blame would rest if his team missed out.

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"We’ve had plenty of opportunities across the course of the season, and there’s no one to blame but us,” Kingsley said.

With questions over the futures of Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer, GWS showed they had other goal-kicking options up forward. Callum Brown booted four goals, Aaron Cadman three and Harvey Thomas and Riley Hamilton two each.

09:10

“I thought our backs were outstanding; their ability to minimise scores to force poor shots, to win the ball back in contest and then to generate some attack for us, I thought they were brilliant,” Kingsley said.

“Connor Idun led the way in that space.”

GWS defenders Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield tallied 36 and 33 touches respectively and racked up 867 and 631 metres gained respectively.

09:55

“Their two half-backs in particular killed us; I think they had 40 touches in our forward 50, which is an enormous amount of the ball. We just couldn’t stop them,” Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said.

“I thought our defensive intent just wasn’t at the level it's been. 

“Combine that with 2.14 after quarter time, the accuracy was a problem again.”