Greater Western Sydney small forward Toby Bedford has been praised for his defensive performance on Port Adelaide star Zak Butters at the weekend.
Bedford was given the job of quelling the influence of the in-form Power midfielder in the Giants' 22-point win over the Power on Sunday at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney.
The 24-year-old was able to restrict Butters to just 17 disposals – his lowest tally of the season – in the 9.19 (73) to 6.15 (51) win.
When Butters was thrown forward in an attempt to break the tag, Bedford shifted his focus to stopping Port Adelaide skipper Connor Rozee, who was also quiet with just 14 touches.
Bedford was also able to have an impact offensively, finishing with 16 disposals, three clearances, eight tackles and a goal.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley told media post-match the former Melbourne player's athletic profile is as good as anyone's in the AFL.
"His speed, his endurance, his ability to run is unmatched, certainly in our club, and at some of the clubs I've been at it would be unmatched also," Kingsley said.
"That puts him at a physical capability to be able to play that (tagging) role.
"And mentally, it's a matter of maintaining concentration when the ball is bobbling around – can you deny your opponent and go and win the ball at the same time when the opportunity presents?
"I thought he had a really nice balance of both."
Bedford has set the standard in the running department since joining the Giants and won the club's pre-and-post-Christmas time trials during the pre-season.
Generally played as a small forward, Sunday's performance could be a launching pad for more midfield minutes.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley also praised Bedford's performance during the post-match press conference.
"I know Toby, he's a very, very good runner – he's got great speed, which is some of Zak's great weapons too," Hinkley said.
Sunday's game against the Power was Bedford's 50th AFL match after first debuting for the Demons in 2020.
The 24-year-old has rejuvenated his career since joining the Giants at the end of 2022 after four seasons with Melbourne.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. I've loved every moment since I've been here (at the Giants)," Bedford told the club last week.
"I'm so thankful for the opportunity to come up here and live out my childhood dream and play every week.
"I always dreamt of being an AFL player and so getting the first game under the belt with Melbourne was something pretty special and then making the move up here and being a consistent AFL player is something I've loved.
"I'm just trying to build my confidence at AFL level to continue to improve and it's something I'm loving doing at the Giants."
