Toby Bedford is set to miss the start of the AFL season after suffering a significant hamstring injury in the GIANTS’ match simulation last week.
Bedford, who joined the GIANTS from the Melbourne Demons during the AFL Trade Period, met with a specialist on Monday, where it was determined surgery was not required.
GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said:
"It's great news that Toby does not require surgery, but he will be sidelined for 10-12 weeks so he will miss the first part of the season.
“Whilst it’s a disappointing setback for Toby, who has already made a significant impact in his short time at the club, he’s a young and exciting player with a lot of potential and we expect him to make a significant contribution to the GIANTS this season."
The 22-year-old played 18 games over four seasons for the Demons after being selected at pick 75 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft as a Next-Generation Academy selection.
He hit the scoreboard on all but two occasions in season 2022, kicking nine goals from eight games and named another eight times as the sub. He was also a member of Casey’s VFL premiership winning side last season.
Fellow small forward Brent Daniels will miss this week's intra-club and next week's practice match after suffering a minor hamstring injury last week, which is unrelated to previous injuries.
The lively goal-kicker was sidelined for the entirety of the 2022 season but has completed the majority of pre-season and has impressed on the training track. He's still expected to be in contention to play in the opening round.
The GIANTS will kick off their pre-season campaign with a fan day and intra-club match in Canberra this weekend before hosting the Suns at Blacktown International SportsPark in a practice match on March 4.
