Toby Greene to leave GWS Giants for Geelong after 15 seasons
Toby Greene will leave Greater Western Sydney after 15 seasons and intends to join Geelong ahead of the 2027 season.
The Giants confirmed the decision on 16 September, saying their captain wants to move back to Victoria for family reasons. Geelong is his intended destination. ABC News
In a club statement, GWS said Greene had told the club of his intention to return home. Chief executive Dave Matthews said the club respects his decision. The tone was respectful. No paperwork has been lodged yet.
Greene is a foundation Giant. He debuted in 2012 in the club's first season in the AFL and has played more than 280 senior games since. He has led the side as captain.
He has won the club best-and-fairest twice, the award voted to the best player across the season. He has also been named All-Australian three times, selection in the league's team of the year. Those honours put him among the most decorated Giants of any era.
He was off-contract at the end of the 2026 season. As an unrestricted free agent, with enough service to qualify, he can change clubs without the two clubs agreeing to a trade deal. He turns 33 the day before the Grand Final. AFL.com.au
Geelong emerged months ago as the likely Victorian option if he left. In August, Greene said he had not made up his mind to return to Victoria but was planning to meet with Geelong. ABC News Essendon was also prepared to pursue him aggressively. AFL.com.au
By early September, reports described him as choosing between staying at GWS or joining Geelong as a free agent to relocate his family. By mid-September, reports said Geelong had put a three-year offer on the table and Greene remained split on his future. Fox Sports
Greene is not the only Giant in motion. Jake Stringer has confirmed he will leave and plans to play on in 2027 at a Victorian club. Jake Riccardi and Kieren Briggs were out of contract at the end of 2026. Veteran midfielder Stephen Coniglio said in July there were no active talks about 2027, but he was keen to stay.
For fans, this means a clean break. One of the competition's most competitive forwards will wear a different jumper next year. The Giants will need a new captain.
