GWS AFL news: Adam Kingsley confident the Giants can replace suspended stars Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels

GWS Giants could be forced into a forward line reshuffle after losing two smalls to suspension. Plus, will one of the club’s midfield stars be fit to face Port Adelaide?

The Giants will be without the pressure of Toby Bedford (L) and Brent Daniels for their crucial clash against Port Adelaide. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Adam Kingsley is confident the Giants have the players to cover the suspensions of in-form duo Brent Daniels and Toby Bedford.

The pair have been two of GWS’ best over the past months as they surged into finals contention.

Bedford leads the competition for tackles inside forward 50 while Daniels is in the middle of a career-best year.

They will both miss the clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday after being handed rough conduct charges.

“It will be disappointing not to have (Toby), he is an important player for us along with Brent Daniels,” Kingsley said.

“I think we do (have the cover). The challenge that we’ll have is that they’ll be less experienced than those two guys — not that Toby is experienced, I think he’s only played maybe 30-odd games.

“We could be leaning on guys who haven’t played a lot of footy. We may shuffle the team around to provide a little bit more experience up front. I’m not sure which way we will go.”

The work of Bedford and Daniels have been a crucial part of Kingsley’s game plan. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It’s not the first time the Giants have had their depth tested recently, with Kingsley having to make five changes the last time they travelled to Adelaide to take on the Crows in round 18.

But they could also be without Finn Callaghan again after he was a late omission from the Sydney Derby.

“He didn’t train (Wednesday),” Kingsley said.

“Hopefully we can get him out there on Friday and see how he goes. So, until then, I don’t really know whether or not he’ll be available.”

One option for Kingsley is to recall No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman. While he’s not a like-for-like replacement for either Daniels or Bedford, Cadman’s form could warrant selection.

He kicked 3.3 in the Giants’ VFL loss to the Swans with Kingsley hailing it as his best performance to date.

Cadman produced his best VFL game of the year and could be in contention to play Port Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein

“We’ll see how all that forward line unfolds and whether we’re happy with the mix,” Kingsley said.

“He kicked three, but he missed a couple and gave a couple off, it could have been a six or seven-goal game from him.

“It’s an impressive one, arguably his best VFL game for the season. It’s been a really good start to his career and we’re really happy with how he’s progressed, and he’ll certainly be in the mix this week.”

Port Adelaide has lost its past four matches and the Giants will be looking to make it five on Sunday.

And while their recent form has some questioning their premiership credentials, Kingsley is ensuring there won’t be any complacency from his side.

Kingsley is not underestimating Port despite four losses in a row. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s a tough game at Adelaide Oval against a top-four team, albeit they haven’t been at their absolute best the last month, but still no doubt very capable,” he said.

“They have been competitive. A loss by a couple of goals against Geelong … three weeks ago they probably should have beaten Collingwood who we all rate as the best team in the comp.

“Offensively they’re able to move the ball and they feel like their midfield is really explosive. It generates a lot of inside 50s for them, and scores … we’ve got our own strengths that we’ll try and attack them with but we’ll see how it all pans out.

“I think it’d be foolish of us to think that we’re coming against a Port Adelaide team that isn’t capable.”

Two wins from their remaining three games would likely secure finals footy for the Giants which would be a fantastic result for Kingsley in his first year in charge.

“Well, if we’re good enough, we’ll make it. And that’s our attitude,” he said.

Originally published as GWS AFL news: Adam Kingsley confident the Giants can replace suspended stars Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels