‘Best thing I’ve ever done’: How moving to the Giants brought the best out of Toby Bedford

Toby Bedford didn’t get the opportunity to play on the big stage with Melbourne, now at the Giants the small forward is embracing the moment in the Orange Tsunami.

Toby Bedford has come into his own since moving to the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Toby Bedford has been waiting for his moment to play footy on the biggest stage.

There was a chance it was going to come last year at Melbourne, but like the rest of his four seasons there, things didn’t quite go to plan.

The Giants’ remarkable run for the top eight this season meant he was primed for his finals debut. However, a prolonged Tribunal hearing less than two days out from the clash had him thinking he’d be watching on from the sidelines.

But one thing he’s never lacked is belief. It’s why he was more than happy to take the risk of moving to GWS in the first place.

And after starring in their win over the Saints on Saturday with two goals, 16 disposals and incredible tackle pressure once again, you couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

“[Joining the Giants] is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Bedford said. “It doesn’t get better than this. I love it. I’m just trying to soak it all in.

“I moved for an opportunity and to try and kickstart something and I’ve loved it.

“The boys have been unbelievable and have embraced me since day one. It’s the best thing being able to go out there and get better each week.”

Bedford kicked two goals in the Giants’ impressive elimination final win over St Kilda. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Bedford has always been willing to do whatever it takes to turn his footy dream into a reality.

He hails from Halls Creek in Western Australia, a town at about the halfway point of the road between Broome and Darwin. At a young age, he moved to Safety Beach in the Mornington Peninsula before he became a boarder at Melbourne Grammar during secondary school.

He played junior footy for Rosebud and eventually joined the Dandenong Stingrays, where he was a part of their inaugural TAC Cup title in 2018.

“I think people will quite comfortably say he was one of my favourites in that side,” Craig Black, coach of that Stingrays side, said.

“He was very self-sufficient and driven and organised. A great character to have and a coach’s team because every time he turned up you knew he was going to play with intensity.”

Toby Bedford wasn’t afraid to get in the thick of the action during his time at the Stingrays. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images

It became clear early that Bedford’s tenacity was what would set him apart. During 2023, he’s made a name for himself with his ability to apply tackle pressure like no one else. The word that comes to mind when watching him play is relentless.

And it’s something that developed naturally at Dandenong.

“That’s his DNA,” Black said. “That’s what he knew, and the goals were a bonus. They came off the hard work.

“If you put his magnet on the board, you knew what you were going to get.”

Black passed Melbourne Grammar on his way to Stingrays training so would end up giving Bedford a lift each time.

In those 30-minute car trips, he got to know a kid willing to do whatever it takes for his team. He was always oriented to doing what was best for his friends and family and that translated to the way he played footy.

For Black, to see him succeeding now at the AFL level feels like potential fulfilled.

His run and carry were always a highlight of his game at junior level. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Even when he was playing under-18s, it was his team-first approach,” Black said.

“If he had a shot for goal, but a teammate had a better shot, he would always pass it off. I think he got more pleasure out of seeing someone else finish the goal if he had a part to play in it.

“It can be challenging for players, living with his sister and family if they’re away, then boarding at Melbourne Grammar and playing at Dandenong. He had a foot in each camp, but when he was with us, he was in 100 per cent.

“As a former coach, when you see a player apply those traits at AFL level … that’s when you sit back and you’re happy.”

A perennial sub during his time at Melbourne, Bedford knew he needed to make a move to play consistent footy.

The Giants appeared to be the perfect fit on paper and he has thrived under Adam Kingsley’s exciting game plan.

Bedford made 16 appearances for the Demons in 2022, eight of which were as the sub. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

But yet again, he had to fight for that opportunity. A hamstring tendon injury in pre-season delayed his debut until round seven. But once he pulled on that orange and charcoal guernsey for the first time, he never looked back.

“Getting injured at the start of pre-season didn’t help at all,” Bedford said. “I felt like I was starting to make pretty good friendships and bonds on the field and it was a speed bump in the road.

“I was quiet for a few games early on there, but they’ve stuck with me and I love this place.”

He and Brent Daniels have combined to become forward pressure demons for the Giants and they were both severely missed when they last took on the Power in round 22.

It’s why the club fought so hard to clear his name for the elimination final. They knew how crucial he was for their September chances.

The 23-year-old is excited to see just how far the Giants can go in 2023. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s just a ball of energy,” Josh Kelly said. “He brings excitement to the group, and he plays with a ferocity about him that we admire.”

The intimidation factor is set to go up a notch in front of a parochial Adelaide Oval crowd on Saturday.

But Bedford deals in pressure and is ready to rise to the challenge again.

“There’s no nerves,” he said. “We go in each week knowing that if we play our best football, our brand will stack up against anyone.

“We love playing finals footy and we want to prove the competition wrong and see how far we can go.”