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GWS linked to Melbourne small forward Toby Bedford: AFL trade news

The Giants are reportedly pursuing the fringe goalsneak.

Published by
Ted Wearn-Jarvis

After their worst season since 2014, GWS are reportedly already making moves on the player market, with the Sydney side reportedly showing interest Melbourne small forward Toby Bedford.

It comes as no surprise that a forward is in their sights as they severely struggled to hit the scoreboard this season, recording the third worst points per game of any side.

With the talismanic Bobby Hill also expected to request a trade to Collingwood, they are in dire need of reinforcements, with The Herald Sun linking the Giants to Bedford's services.

While the 22-year-old has shown promise as an agile and crafty crummer, he has been deprived of opportunity in the talented Melbourne forward line.

This season, he played in eight matches and was an unused medical substitute for a further eight and has not played since Round 20.

Small forwards are increasingly important in the modern game not just for their goalscoring ability but also for the defensive pressure they bring. As someone who prides himself on his tackling, Bedford is well suited to play this role.

Toby Bedford during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Melbourne has been a small forward factory of late, with Kysaiah Pickett, Alex Neal-Bullen and Charlie Spargo all developing into brilliant forwards.

While this has meant Bedford has struggled to play consistently, teams such as the Giants would likely see his Melbourne pedigree as a positive factor when considering a deal.

This is likely the first of many moves the Giants look to make, however they main gain some competition for Bedford's services given Essendon's recent interest in the young Demon.

Published by
Ted Wearn-Jarvis