Ahead of Saturday night's must-win clash against the Brisbane Lions, GWS Giants star Toby Bedford has lauded a trio of fellow Giants forwards who are holding key roles in the club's pursuit of a maiden AFL premiership.
Less than a goal away from making the 2023 AFL Grand Final, Adam Kingsley's men are looking to go one step further this season and remain on track to winning their maiden AFL premiership.
One of the best teams this season, the Giants came extremely close to defeating the Sydney Swans last week, only for their opponents to produce one of the best AFL comebacks in recent memory.
As his side looks to make up for their loss from last Saturday, Bedford spoke to Zero Hangerย about the importance of teammates Brent Daniels, Darcy Jones and Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan.
Despite only having 13 career games to his name, Jones has emerged as a cult hero of the team with his headgear and emerging status as one of the best small forwards remaining in the 2024 AFL Finals.
"He's electric," Bedford said of Jones.
"It's only his 12th or 13th game and he's absolutely dominating so we love playing with him.
"He's a star and he's just going to keep getting better and better. He's so confident and every time he gets the ball he uses his speed.
"Normally, in younger guys, they take a little bit to get used to that, but as soon as he played, we always told him back his speed, and he's done that since game one.
"He's so confident in his ability, and we love that about him, and he shows it on game day as well, so he's just going to continue to get better and better.
"When he reaches that 50 and 100 (game mark) it's going to be scary what he becomes."
Alongside Jones, Bedford has been impressed with the underrated Daniels and full-forward Hogan, who is having a career-best season in the forward 50.
"He's a great player...and he's an absolute star. You can put him anywhere and he has an impact," Bedford said on Daniels.
"He's an unbelievable player and taken his game to an entire new level this year and he's had troubles with his body in the past. Since he's been able to stay healthy, he's just building from that.
"He's one of the most underrated players in the comp and we value him extremely high. We just love playing with him.
"[Hogan is] a massive influence (on me) and we're stoked for him as well (winning the Coleman Medal).
"He's had a tough gig to get where he's at but he's in unbelievable ford and we're just all so happy for him."
Meeting in the AFL Finals once before in 2019, the Giants will be looking for the same outcome as they walked away from that match with a three-point win.
The match will also mark the first time since 2020 the Lions will compete at ENGIE Stadium, with their previous six matches occurring at either the Gabba or Manuka Oval.
The two teams will face off at 7:30pm (AEST) on Saturday night, with the winner advancing to a preliminary final against Geelong Cats next week.
