Greater Western Sydney's Toby Bedford is relishing his mid-season role change from small forward to defensive midfielder.

The Bunuba man has played as the Giants' tagger ever since he was sent to nullify the influence of star Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters in Round 14.

On that night, he restricted Butters to just 17 disposals – his lowest output for the season – as the Giants cruised to a 22-point win.

Bedford told SEN Radio during the week that he was happy to play any role asked of him, as long as it helps his team secure a victory.

"It's not a role that's a pretty role – you're going to go out there to stop a player who is playing their best footy," Bedford said on SEN Afternoons.

"It's not one that people normally like but it's something we value highly in the team and when we're winning it's something that I want to do.

"We're on the brink of hopefully locking in a top-four spot and a home final, so that's our aim and if my role is to tag and take out the best player, I am happy to do so."

The 24-year-old is learning to embrace the challenge of stopping the opposition's best midfielder and says that he has leant on his star-studded midfield teammates for advice and assistance.

"I've learnt to really enjoy the role and take on new challenges each week, you come across different players and all have different attributes," he said.

"I've been finding it challenging at times, obviously there is going to be times where I don't touch the ball too much."

Bedford has had a strong season at the Giants, playing in all 22 of the club's games and comfortably leading the team's tackle count with 131.

The former Melbourne Next Generation Academy member spent his first four seasons at the elite level playing for the Demons but was never able to solidify his position in the team.

After 18 games for Melbourne – many of which were spent as the medical substitute – he requested a trade to the Giants, where has revolutionised his game and become an important member of GWS' best team.

Despite arguably a career-best year in 2024 it has not been without its controversies, such as the aftermath from a tackle that left Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto with a concussion.

Bedford was initially handed a three-match suspension, which was upheld by the tribunal before being ultimately overturned by the AFL Appeals Board.

A month on from the incident, the Giants star still maintains that he did not do anything wrong.

"It's been interesting. I got off at the appeals board and I thought it was a fair tackle," Bedford said.

"I'll just continue to tackle the way I've always done, I feel we as players know whether you've done an illegal tackle or not.

"I'll just keep playing the way I play – I'm not going to change that until I really do get rubbed out for a dangerous tackle.

"I feel as though I've got a pretty good grasp of what's wrong and right – I didn't look too deeply into it, it was a frustrating week to be honest, but it wasn't a new experience for me so I tried to act like it was a normal week."