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'There's going to be some backlash if they win'

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has admitted there may be backlash if GWS go on to win the 2016 premiership.

In just their fifth season of existence, the Giants are one win away from a maiden grand final, which McLachlan concedes may be perceived as premature by some punters.

On the other hand, their preliminary final opponents the Western Bulldogs haven't won a flag since 1954, the only premiership in the club's 91-year history.

"There will be [backlash]", McLachlan told AFL 360 on Thursday night.

Can they complete the fairytale? Image: Getty
Can they complete the fairytale? Image: Getty

But he also said the Giants had would be deserving winners nonetheless.

"They have the same salary cap as every other team in 2017," McLachlan said.

"You can only play 22 players. This thing will be okay. If people think they've stockpiled too much talent, they'll be picked off and lose six to seven players."

McLachlan dismissed the perception GWS had been handed everything on a silver platter.

"There is extraordinary talent on that list that some teams can never execute to get," McLachlan said.

"But on the flip side, I think a lot of credit needs to go to people at the club who have used the system incredibly well. They’ve drafted well, they've traded well. They have five guys who have come from other clubs who are stars.

"I look at them and to the success in development, but I look at them and the hunger they have before a game and they've developed a culture beyond the talent. They're an aggressive, tight group and that's more than talent."