GWS defender Jack Buckley has been widely praised by the football community for saving Sydney star Isaac Heeney from a terrible injury, which has now become an extraordinary highlight reel.
During the third term, Heeney took flight to bring down arguably the mark of the year, only not to be eligible for the award, as Buckley's quick thinking and "instincts" prevented a potentially serious head injury.
The Giants stopper downplayed his role in rescuing his opponent from the vulnerable position, saying the plaudits are farfetched.
"I'm pretty used to being a step ladder," Buckley said on RSN.
"That's probably why I knew what to do because I am usually underneath it.
"I don't really get too fazed by someone taking a hanger on me, it's not the first time and won't be the last.
"It was just instinct to put my hands out and try and break the fall a bit.
"I didn't have time to think it through, and it came off pretty well... I'm probably taking too much credit.
"He (Heeney) gave me a message and said thanks."
ISAAC HEENEY OH MY WORD 😱😱#AFLFinals #AFLSwansGiants pic.twitter.com/F4N2WLGUaz
— AFL (@AFL) September 7, 2024
Heeney spoke about THAT mark following the thrilling six-point win and just how "good (a) bloke" Buckley is.
“I'm lucky he grabbed my arm – I thought I was coming down on my head,” Heeney said on Fox Footy after the game.
“He actually apologised to me after and made sure I was all right, which is nice from him.
“Good bloke Buckley is, but I nearly ended up on my head.”
Buckley's heroics also heaped praise from Heeney's mother.
Plenty spotted how Jack Buckley caught Isaac Heeney on his way down from a spectacular mark…
Chief among them: Isaac Heeney’s mum! pic.twitter.com/DNP3mFpcHK
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 7, 2024
“As his mum, I would love to give Jack (sic) Buckley a hug and thank him for Isaac not landing on his head!” she wrote on 7AFL's Facebook page.
While Heeney's Swans enjoy the week off as they prepare for a home preliminary final, Buckley's Giants are back to the drawing board, as they set themselves for a do-or-die semi-final against Brisbane.
Despite leading for over 120 minutes (compared to Sydney's five) across the day, GWS will take a lot of positives into Saturday's clash with the Lions, knowing with confidence that they can match it with the best.
"Everyone was pretty flat after the game," Buckley said.
"Everyone addressed it and the importance of putting it behind us, coming in with a lot of energy, had some fun that we usually do because we don't have time too.
"It's certainly been a conscious effort (to look forward)."
The Giants will also take tremendous belief into this week's game having knocked off Brisbane twice throughout 2024.
"Definitely you take confidence out of playing well against an opponent you're coming up against," Buckley said.
"You can't get caught and dwell on it too much. They're a great team and finals footy can be a different game at times."
GWS is hopeful that Toby Bedford will overcome a calf issue and be available for selection.
"I'd expect him to be back next week. He was really close (to playing against the Swans), he was touch and go," GIANTS coach Adam Kingsley said.
"He got through main training last week, he trained for the most part. He did a really big session this morning, he looks fine, so I'd expect to have him."
