GWS Giants midfielder Xavier O'Halloran says season is 'life or death' ahead of 100th game

Midfielder Xavier O'Halloran of the Greater Western Sydney Giants said the club is treating every remaining AFL match of the 2026 season as a “life or death” battle.

The Giants sit 11th on the ladder with an 8‑9 record and need a string of wins to reach the finals. Recent back‑to‑back victories over Fremantle and Geelong have revived hopes, and the team faces top‑six opponents Sydney and Adelaide in the final six rounds, with an upcoming clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.

O'Halloran will play his 100th AFL game, a milestone delayed after a nine‑week ankle injury and surgery in 2020. He noted the club’s extensive injury list, citing teammates such as Phoenix Gothard (shoulder), Lachie Whitfield (concussion), Leek Aleer (groin), Darcy Jones (ACL), Max Gruzewski (knee) and Jake Riccardi (ankle).