Toby Bedford opens up on the importance of Sir Doug Nicholls Round in AFL

GWS forward Toby Bedford has opened up on why Sir Douglas Nicholls Round means so much to him and his special connection to a family member who shares the same name as his captain.

Toby Bedford is relishing the opportunity to have more conversations about his Indigenous heritage during Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Fitzroy Creek might be on the opposite side of Australia to Sydney Olympic Park, but for Giants forward Toby Bedford, it’s never too far away from his mind.

His hometown, which requires two flights and an additional four hour drive from Broome to get to, is where four of his siblings remain, as well as many family members from his father’s side.

Locals painted the town orange last year during the Giants’ run to the preliminary final, while the 23-year-old is always quick to make the long trip back after a season.

But on Saturday afternoon, as Bedford runs out for the Giants’ clash against the Western Bulldogs for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, his own Indigenous background will be brought front and centre.

It’s a chance for the proud Bunuba man to amplify the conversation around First Nations issues, but also represent his culture and heritage.

Bedford is one of the most-loved members of the Giants’ side. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“I think when you speak to all Indigenous players this round, it’s one where they all want to go out and play extra well,” Bedford said.

“It sparks a lot of discussion in terms of my family, how I grew up and where I’m from as well. This round is unbelievable for people to learn and ask those questions that they probably don’t think of asking.

“It’s another avenue where we can speak and tell our story.”

As a kid, Bedford wasn’t short of role models. He loved watching Cyril Rioli run around for the Hawks, or Adam Goodes bursting out of a pack for the Swans. But it was the influences much closer to home that have shaped who he is today.

Bedford moved to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria early in life for schooling, where his mother is from, but Fitzroy Crossing will always be his true home.

He talks openly about how his great-grandfather Toby Green, who serendipitously shares the same name as his current captain, would regularly make the 250km walk from Fitzroy to Derby on the WA coast.

Then there is his grandmother, Patsy Bedford, who was a member of the Stolen Generation. Her stories, as well as those from other family members, have encouraged Bedford to be proud of the voice and position he has in society.

The 23-year-old wants to be a role model for Indigenous kids and is determined to use his voice. Picture: Phil Hillyard

In the lead-up to this week’s game, he spoke passionately on the Giants’ podcast about why he believes the date for Australia Day should be changed. He also relishes the chance to enhance his teammates’ understanding of First Nations stories.

While Bedford talks about his role models growing up, he has quickly become one for his community. And he has a clear goal of breaking down the barriers so even more kids can follow in his footsteps.

“When we do speak about these things, I think a lot of them may not have heard from an Indigenous person and their point of view,” he said.

“So when I speak to (my teammates) from my point of view, I feel as though we’re all really close here and connected, it changes their aspects on how they look at things as well.

“For Indigenous kids sport is massive. It’s a good way for them to get out of their communities and get out of doing the wrong thing.

“So, trying to get more young kids drafted, both boys and girls, is something that I think is really good that we should try and drive. As Indigenous players already here, we are the role models and can try and help where we can as well.”

Bedford has quickly become an important player for the Giants and a popular figure in the AFL. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Bedford and the Giants will run out in an Indigenous guernsey designed by Gomeroi man Kayleb Waters on Saturday. The design is called Maaluga Ngarriylanha, which translates to ‘sitting as one’ and is all about unity.

The ‘G’ on the chest includes a kangaroo, a sacred animal that symbolises strength, while the circular shapes represent “mother earth’s wisdom and knowledge and connection to country”.

It’s just another reminder for Bedford of the importance of family, both back at Fitzroy Crossing and his new adopted one at the Giants.

“We can’t wait to run out with it on Saturday,” he said. “It means a lot for (Kayleb) and his family, but also all Indigenous players to go out and represent our culture.

“He reminds me a bit of myself as well, how he spoke about his family and being proud of him. He designs this and they’ll get around him by trying to buy as many as they can straight away.

“It reminds me of my family, whenever we’re flying and playing good football week to week, they were always behind me and supporting the Giants.

“I’ll do the coin flip with (Toby Greene) and stay in my lane besides that. I’ll be bubbling with excitement but Kingers and the coaching staff give me a strict role, so I’ll try and get that done and a bit more if I can.”

Originally published as Toby Bedford opens up on the importance of Sir Doug Nicholls Round in AFL