Latest AFL News

Giant cleared to return for semi-final, swingman’s year over after surgery

Some mixed injury news out of GWS.

Published by
Mitch Keating

GWS will gain a needed boost for Saturday's semi-final against Brisbane with the return of small forward Toby Bedford from a calf injury.

Bedford was a late withdrawal from the Giants' Round 24 bout with the Western Bulldogs and subsequently missed his side's six-point loss to Sydney in last week's qualifying final loss due to the same ailment.

The club, who took a cautious approach with their tagger, have cleared Bedford to return this weekend at Engie Stadium as the Giants looked to avoid a straight sets September exit.

"Bedford pushed his case to be selected for last weekend's Qualifying Final but the club took no risks and instead Bedford completed a full training session at the club on Saturday," a club update read.

"He is expected to again fully train this week and be available for selection."

The return of Bedford is set to force one change for coach Adam Kingsley, whose side got through the Swans loss unscathed.

Toby Bedford

Meanwhile, fringe swingman Wade Derksen has required surgery on a toe issue that will see him unavailable for the rest of the Giants' campaign.

While Derksen is yet to debut for the Giants, he was set to be part of the pack of players on standby for a potential setback to the senior side. GWS players not selected for the club's finals matches have undergone scrimmage sessions to remain match fit in the chance they will be required later this season.

GWS host Brisbane at Engie Stadium on Saturday night at 7:30pm (AEST), with the winner to progress to a preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday, September 21.

2024-09-14T09:30:00Z
ENGIE Stadium
GWS
100
FT
105
BL
Published by
Mitch Keating