'I'll be playing': Bedford declares himself fit for GWS

The Giants' Toby Bedford (right) insists he will be fit to play the Lions in the semi-final. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

If Toby Bedford has it his way, he'll be clamping down on Lachie Neale when GWS meet with Brisbane in a sudden-death AFL semi-final.

The highly rated Giants tagger has been missing from action since being forced out of their final-round loss to the Western Bulldogs with a calf complaint.

Bedford has yet to complete training but declared himself fit on Monday for their must-win clash with the Lions after being made to watch their qualifying final loss to Sydney from the sidelines.

"I'll be playing," the 24-year-old told AAP.

"I've got to get to the training and everything like that, then team selection's got to go my way, but that's the plan.

"I thought I was pretty close to playing (against the Swans). I tried to push for sub and a few different things, but in terms of risk management that wasn't the case.

"It's extremely hard watching from the sidelines, and it's something that I don't do very well at all, especially in a big game like that.

"I was sitting next to my girlfriend and I was just chewing my nails off. She kept having to smack my hands out of my face to relax me, but I just couldn't help it."

Bedford was sent to do his tagging work on Neale when the two sides last met in round 22, keeping the two-time Brownlow medallist to 19 disposals in 95 minutes in the Giants' 18-point win.

Brisbane's Lachie Neale (right).
The Giants' Toby Bedford expects to be given the job of minding Brisbane's Lachie Neale (right).

Neale has an average of 29.4 disposals and 7.6 clearances a game this season.

Bedford expects to be handed the same task after watching Brisbane hold Carlton scoreless in the opening quarter of their elimination final on Saturday.

"(Brisbane) played an unbelievable first half (against Carlton), so we know they're going to be quick starters," Bedford said.

"Obviously last time we played them, I went to Neale.

"If 'Kingers' (coach Adam Kingsley) wants me to go to him or someone else, or just play a normal role, I'm happy to do so as long as I'm out there trying to help, and not sitting in the stands again."

Meanwhile, young gun Aaron Cadman is prepared for extra attention after pulling off an electrifying performance last time against the Lions.

The Giants' Aaron Cadman.
The Giants' Aaron Cadman is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Lions again.

After trailing at every change, the former No.1 pick combined with fellow young forward Darcy Jones to slot the last four goals and seal victory for the Giants.

Cadman was also outstanding in his finals debut against the Swans on Saturday, kicking three goals.

"There were times in the (Swans) game when I thought to myself, 'Yeah, it's going to be my time and I'm going to have my moments'," Cadman said on Monday.

"I was pretty lucky that when the moments came my way, I seemed to take them most of the time. 

"That's what finals come down to really, it's just moments on moments, and whoever makes the most of them usually gets a win.

"(Brisbane are) going to be a bit more wary about me, and hopefully that takes a bit of pressure off the other forwards and also Darcy as well.

"Hopefully we can all get a lick this time and hopefully it won't come down to the wire."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store