GWS forward Jeremy Finlayson says he felt totally numb after the final siren sounded to end the pulsating preliminary final against Collingwood on Saturday.
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The Giants had just withstood a furious final term fightback from the Magpies to prevail by four points and qualify for a historic maiden AFL grand final.
"I guess when we finished sixth on the ladder, making the grand final was always going to be a bit of a longshot," Finlayson said.
"But deep down we all knew if we stuck to our strengths anything was possible.
"After the Collingwood game I was totally numb.
"I'm still kinda numb at the moment and can't believe I will be playing on the biggest stage there is in footy.
"It's a dream come true and I can't believe it.
"Dad was fairly emotional on the weekend and was crying in the rooms after the game.
"We fly out on Thursday and have got the the grand final parade the following day - it's going to be unreal."
Finlayson, 23, has enjoyed a breakout season and played 22 matches for a total of 37.
After predominantly playing as a defender last season, Finlayson has thrived in attack playing alongside stars Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg.
Finlayson has booted 44 goals this season including two in the preliminary final.
The former Culcairn junior admitted he may have pulled the wool over the umpires eyes when he kicked a goal after pushing Pies' ruckman Brodie Grundy in the back at a stoppage.
"He is obviously the All Australian ruckman for a reason and I couldn't move him all day," Finlayson said.
"He was kinda on the move and I kinda pushed him underneath it.
"I waited for the whistle to blow but I couldn't hear anything.
"So my eyes just lit up and I kicked the goal and everyone reckoned it was a push in the back.
"But that's finals footy, you just never know what the umpires are going to call.
"He proved how good he was in that final quarter when he found another gear and really got on top of Mummy (Shane Mumford)."
Finlayson said he would love nothing more to be part of the Giants' maiden flag and repay the faith shown in him by coach Leon Cameron.
"Hopefully we can get the job done on Saturday but obviously Richmond will start as a raging favourite," he said.
"I would just love to win to pay back the club and everything they have done for me - it would be unreal.
"No other club was willing to take a gamble on me."
Finlayson revealed he had already secured eight grand final tickets for family and friends.
"We get given three free tickets and each player also has the opportunity to buy another five," he said.
"I love grand final day and watching the pre-match entertainment.
"It's certainly going to be a strange feeling playing."
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