Toby Bedford has officially become the newest member of the AFL's growing taggers crew, and the GWS forward will have plenty of potential targets in Saturday's clash with ladder leaders Sydney.
Bedford, a former Demon who is a small forward by trade, was surprisingly thrust into the tagger role for Sunday's 22-point win over Port Adelaide.
The 24-year-old was sent to Zak Butters and restricted the star Power midfielder to just 17 disposals and four clearances.
When Butters went forward in an attempt to break the tag, Bedford was given the job on another midfield gun - Connor Rozee.
The Port skipper finished the match with just 14 disposals.
Bedford tallied 16 possessions, three clearances and a goal to go with his eight tackles in a display that played a crucial role in the Giants' victory.
Tagging has become a trend this season, and if Bedford's first attempt is anything to go by, he's going to become one of the Giants' most important players in their bid to secure a finals berth.
"I think his athletic profile is as good as there is in the AFL," GWS coach Adam Kingsley said.
"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.
"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?Â
"I thought he had a really nice balance of both."
Bedford, who had managed just six goals in 12 games leading into the Port Adelaide match, is set to be given another key task against Sydney on Saturday.
The Swans sit three wins clear on top of the ladder and boast the likes of Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden through the middle.
GWS (8-5) moved to fifth with the win over Port but it was far from a convincing victory, with the Giants kicking a wayward 9.19 (73) in fine conditions.
Kingsley knows his team will receive a much sterner test against Sydney, who are on a nine-match winning streak.Â
"We know where we sit. Sydney are clearly the best team in the competition. The ladder doesn't lie," Kingsley said.
"They play a fantastic brand of footy; it's great to watch.
"We're going to have our backs against the wall tyring to defend our patch."
