It is time to stand up GWS.

Well, that's what Melbourne great Garry Lyon believes.

The AFL's youngest club has featured prominently in September since 2016, when that campaign ended with a heartbreaking six-point loss to eventual premiers Western Bulldogs.

Since then, the Giants have missed the finals twice, playing off in the 2019 grand final against Richmond, while preliminary final losses to the Tigers (2017) and Collingwood (2023) also pose as a chance gone begging.

But last year's series is arguably the most devastating, holding handy leads over Sydney (28 points) and Brisbane (44 points) in the opening two weeks of September, only to waste their opportunities.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio of the Giants looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 07, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Speaking at theย Fox Footyย andย Kayo Sports 2025 AFL Season Launch, Lyon, who correctly tipped the Lions to win in 2024, has the Giants making history come September.

"I'm going with the Giants," Lyon said.

"I tipped Brisbane this time last year and got them home so I think it's time the Giants grew up and stood up.

"They've had a couple of real good opportunities. They've been close. I think Adam Kingsley is a good coach. They've got a hard edge.

"And now it's about grabbing moments."

As the Giants did in the 2024 finals series, Melbourne grossly underperformed with the list they have, dealing with persistent off-field concerns revolving around star midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver to miss out on the top eight.

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Lyon, who led the Demons from 1991 to 1997, believes that his old club can quickly turn their tumultuous 12 months into a finals berth.

"I think they should play finals," Lyon said of his former team.

"If they get there, that means they've got their house in order, which is a legitimate question we all have.

"Clayton's (Oliver) firing. Christian (Petracca) has healed up. Max (Gawn) is going to be the best ruckman in the history of the game.

"All those things run into place and Kozzie (Pickett) doesn't run back to Freo, and they should play finals.

"But I'm not interested in hearing about it. I want to see it."

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Amid the constant media speculation over the futures of Oliver and Petracca, the club has consistently defended its position regarding dynamo forward Kysaiah Pickett.

Contracted until the end of 2027, reports have indicated that Pickett will be heading to Fremantle at season's end, although Lyon isn't buying it.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons during the round three AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval, on March 30, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

"No, I'm not," Lyon said definitively.

"I feel pretty comfortable (he'll stay)."

Fox Footyย andย Kayo Sportsย are set to reign supreme over the AFL landscape, hosting all nine matches with their own commentary team for the first time after securing the rights to the prime time slots.