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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Demon Bedford wants to become a Giant

Toby Bedford is set to leave Melbourne for GWS. with the Demons and Giants to negotiate a deal. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Uncontracted forward Toby Bedford has rejected Melbourne's contract extension and told the AFL club he wants to join GWS.

Bedford was credited with 16 games this season, but eight were as the unused sub, and he finished the year with nine goals to his name.

The 22-year-old couldn't crack a senior appearance last year after making two appearances in his debut season of 2020.

With small forwards Kysaiah Pickett, Charlie Spargo and Alex Neal-Bullen ahead of him in the pecking order, Bedford has chosen the Giants to continue his career.

"While we are disappointed that we will be losing Toby, we understand and respect his decision to pursue further opportunities," Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media.

"We will now work with the GWS Giants to facilitate a suitable trade."

The Giants are set to lose a host of players during the off-season, headlined by Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Bobby Hill, and Tanner Bruhn.

Richmond midfielder Jack Graham, who has one more year remaining on his deal, is set to reject advances from Port Adelaide in order to stay at the Tigers.

Graham met with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley this year, but is now expected to see out the final year of his deal at Richmond.

Collingwood forward Ollie Henry is keen to join Geelong, while Port Adelaide need to effect a deal to secure West Coast premiership forward Junior Rioli.

Fremantle forward Rory Lobb remains hopeful his wish to join the Western Bulldogs can be fulfilled despite the Dockers saying they want to hold him to his contract.

The Dockers were only willing to trade Lobb if swingman Griffin Logue stayed.

Logue, a key defender who was used mostly up forward this season, has told Fremantle he wants to join North Melbourne.

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