GWS Giants captain Toby Greene’s future at the club is suddenly under a cloud, with some Victorian clubs monitoring his contract situation as he seeks a three-year extension.
The 33-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most loyal players in the game, is quietly thinking about his options with family considerations on his mind and the impending departure of Giants inaugural CEO Dave Matthews at season’s end.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Toby Greene’s future uncertain amid Victorian interest
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary says Greene has now become an interesting watch.
“There are Victorian clubs who are more aware of his openness to move to Victoria than maybe what’s being led on,” Cleary said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
“People in footy say that Toby Greene is one of the most loyal people they’ve ever come across in the game. He’s 33 this year. He’s seeking a three-year extension to extend his football tenure.
“And I think the other factor here that can’t be forgotten, too, is he’s got an incredibly close relationship with Dave Matthews, who will depart as the Giants’ inaugural CEO at the end of this season.
“So there are Victorian clubs just doing their work in the background that if things do fall through with the Giants, they’re ready to pounce.”
It is thought Greene could be tempted to move by a Victorian club that is in premiership contention, offering the star forward a chance to to chase an elusive flag.
“This is a guy who’s gone so close on so many occasions to the Holy Grail. We’ve seen his emotion on the big stage. He wants to win a flag,” Cleary said.
The Giants lost the 2016 preliminary final by six points, lost the 2017 prelim to Richmond, lost the 2019 grand final, and lost the 2023 prelim by a point.
Geelong and Hawthorn, and possibly Collingwood, have been identified as potential suitors.
The Giants are facing salary cap constraints, making it difficult to offer Greene the lucrative deal he might command elsewhere.
Cleary said that GWS was bracing for their “next wave” of superstars to come through.
“Not to say they’re kicking Toby to the curb by any stretch, but they’re ready for the Finn Callaghans, the Tom Greens (to be their next leaders).”
With more than 60 players across the AFL earning over a million dollars, Greene remains in that conversation despite his age.
“They respect him. But it’s a lot of money to put into a 33-year-old,” 7SPORT expert Tom Morris said.
Stream The Agenda Setters live or watch anytime on-demand at 7plus
However, he may be willing to take a pay cut to join a premiership contender.
The key factor working in favour of interested clubs is that Greene would come as an unrestricted free agent, meaning no draft picks would be required to secure him.
“You don’t have to give up a single draft pick for him. You can walk him through the door for nothing right now,” Cleary noted.
The Giants are expected to offer a third year in their contract negotiations, but whether the financial terms and family considerations align, remains to be seen.
