GWS TAGGER Toby Bedford would be lying if he said he wasn't relishing the chance to get bragging rights over his former club Melbourne.
A Saturday night reunion at the MCG is just around the corner for Bedford and the former Demon is ready to go full-throttle in his new colours.
Drafted as an Academy selection in 2018, the 24-year-old made the interstate move in 2022 after playing only 18 games in three years with the Demons.
Bedford, now a mainstay in the flag-chasing Giants line-up, came face-to-face with his old side last season but he admits there's still a part of him itching to prove he can match it with the best.
The 10th-placed Demons will especially be feeling the heat with Bedford set to pay close attention to emerging midfielder Trent Rivers.
"I've been watching them a bit closer than other teams, obviously them being my old team," Bedford said.
"Trent's in great form. If he's the man I'm going to, then that's fine.
"It probably makes me a bit more hungry going against a team that I felt as if I didn't play my best football at.
"I felt like I needed to move to try and reach some of my best football so going against them, I'm trying to prove (myself) to them.
"And also I'm playing against some of my mates - you always want to beat your mates."
Bedford will also reunite with his former skipper Max Gawn in what will be a massive boost for Melbourne after the Demons suffered a clearance horror show against Fremantle last round.
The six-time All-Australian ruckman has been out of action since round 17 after suffering a chip to the base of his right fibula against West Coast.
Still, Bedford has no doubt an in-form Kieren Briggs will give the veteran a run for his money in the stoppage.
"Max is a very good player. There's no denying that," Bedford said.
"We still back Kieren Briggs in every day to get the job done. He's playing some good football, he's young and he's strong as well.
"Max is coming off an injury - who knows? They'll know if he's fit enough but Kieren's been pretty fit all year."
The fifth-placed Giants welcome back Sam Taylor after recovering a groin injury, while Stephen Coniglio misses another week with a shoulder injury.
