GWS Tagger Toby Bedford Finds Hope in Past Performances
Toby Bedford, the GWS tagger, is drawing inspiration from past experiences as his team looks to implement changes that could help them return to AFL finals contention. The Giants, currently sitting at 4-5, are aiming for their first consecutive wins of the season when they take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
“We’ve had a rough start, but we’re confident that we can make a big impact in this competition,” Bedford shared with AAP.
Despite not yet finding their best form, Bedford is optimistic about the team’s potential. “In 2023, we were in a similar situation and came strong in the second half of the year. We believe we can make a big difference this season.”
The 2023 season, which saw the Giants lose a heartbreakingly close preliminary final against Collingwood, also serves as a reminder of what can happen. In that same year, a West Coast side that would end up winning only three games managed to beat GWS in Perth.
Although the Eagles are currently on a six-game losing streak, they are not to be underestimated. “They’re a young team that’s starting to play good football. They won’t just roll over,” Bedford said. “We know they’ll be a tough challenge, so we’ll go over and play our best football. It’s about us playing our roles and system.”
Bedford noted that the team had strayed from some of the strategies that had worked well in previous years, and opponents might have done more homework on them. “It’s about believing in our system and making small fixes. I believe we can get that right.”
A potential matchup with West Coast’s young talent, Harley Reid, is on the horizon for Bedford, who has gradually improved after a delayed start to the season. A serious hamstring tear in February kept the 25-year-old out of action until Gather Round, but he has since played five consecutive games.
“I didn’t have the start I wanted and had a few quiet games, but now I’m feeling much better and more confident,” Bedford said.
Bedford’s housemate and former Melbourne teammate, Clayton Oliver, will again be crucial to the Giants’ success. “Many people don’t see it because we’re in Sydney, but he’s been playing some incredible football and has been one of our best players this season,” Bedford remarked. “I’m happy to see him happy and playing well. It’s been great for him.”
“He’s extremely important for us and has made a massive impact on the group. With Tom Green injured, he’s had to take on a lot of the hard-ball gets, and he’s done that really well.”
GWS has named winger Ryan Angwin and debutant Harry Oliver, while key defender Jack Buckley is out due to an injury. West Coast has recalled talls Rhett Bazzo and Jack Williams to replace Harry Edwards (concussion) and young gun Cooper Duff-Tytler (managed).
