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

3 minute read

GWS tagger Toby Bedford has yet to complete training, but he has already declared himself fit for the Giants' AFL semi-final clash against a red-hot Brisbane.

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.

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.

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."

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