Toby Greene joins Geelong as unrestricted free agent
Toby Greene is a Geelong Cat.
The Cats lodged paperwork on Friday to sign the 33-year-old from Greater Western Sydney as an unrestricted free agent. The deal is for three seasons, keeping him at Kardinia Park until at least the end of 2029. Geelong Cats
Unrestricted free agency means a veteran with enough service can move without his old club agreeing to a trade. Geelong gave up no player and no draft pick to get him. Greater Western Sydney instead receives a second-round compensation pick from the AFL, currently slated at No. 26. ABC News
Greene leaves the Giants after 282 games across 15 seasons. He kicked 450 goals in that time. He departs as a triple All-Australian — picked in the league's best team of the year three times — and a dual club champion.
The Giants marked the exit with a farewell announcement titled 'Thank You Toby'. GWS Giants It closed a run that started when the expansion club was still finding its feet and ended with Greene as its most recognisable face.
The move was sealed during the 2026 Continental Tyres Trade Period. Greene had nominated Geelong as his preferred home last month. It came days after the Cats missed out on Zak Butters, leaving Geelong to pivot quickly to another experienced target. AFL.com.au
Greene was not the only free agency call finalised this week. Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear turned down interest elsewhere to stay at the Hawks on a two-year deal. Sydney forward Joel Amartey made the opposite call, switching to Carlton.
For fans, this means something simple. Geelong gets a proven forward who finds space where there is none. GWS gets a draft hand and a changing of the guard. The Cats have backed age and craft. The Giants start again without No. 4.
