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Greene's fire still burns as GWS star plays 200th game

3 minute read

Firebrand Toby Greene says he has matured into a better player and has years ahead of him as he prepares for his 200th game for Greater Western Sydney.

TOBY GREENE.
TOBY GREENE. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Greater Western Sydney skipper Toby Greene is on track to become the club's longest-serving player, insisting he has it in him to play for several more years as he prepares for his 200th start for the side.

The Giants firebrand will mark that major milestone against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

He is second on GWS' all-time appearance list to current teammate Callan Ward, who has racked up 279 games for the club since 2011 but who at 33 is four years older than Greene.

A man of few words, the 29-year-old is not one to join in the fanfare ahead of Saturday's milestone match.

"It's probably something you reflect on more after footy," Greene said.

"It's been a great journey so far. Twelve years in Sydney, been here since the club started. It has been really enjoyable."

As a fresh-faced 18-year-old, Greene was selected by GWS at Pick 11 in the 2011 AFL draft.

His debut came against crosstown rivals Sydney in round one the following year.

His drive and willingness to play right on the edge have made him a standout for his side, and also led to numerous fines and suspensions over the years.

"I probably put myself in those positions a lot. I made a few mistakes, you got to cop it when you do," Greene said.

But the tenacious midfielder-turned-forward believes he has developed a greater sense of awareness and maturity in recent years.

He was chosen as the club's co-captain in 2022, taking sole responsibility this season.

"I'm one of the older boys now and we've got a good group of 18 to 23-year-olds that I'm responsible for. I want to see them get to their potential," he said.

"That's sort of what it's about for me now - a change from when I was that 24, 25-year-old who was really obsessed with my personal performance."

That drive to take responsibility is something new coach Adam Kingsley noticed in the club's star player.

"He works a hell of a lot harder than I expected," Kingsley said.

"We all see externally what he does on-field but to come in and see the way he treats people, the way he trains himself, and how professional he is, I was really pleased."

As the Giants' leading goal scorer and a two-time All-Australian pick, Greene would be a valuable addition for most AFL clubs.

But the loyal star has signed with GWS until the end of 2026, essentially becoming a Giant for life.

"It shows the person that he is," Kingsley said.

"It's a true reflection of the character, the loyalty that he has for the footy club."

Reaching the big 200 is a milestone no other Giants draftee has achieved but the fire still burns bright in the 29-year-old.

"I'm definitely not satisfied yet," Greene said.

"I reckon I've got the most out of myself but I still want to be playing for five or six years."

While his hopes and dreams for a premiership flag evolve as he does, there is one thing that stays the same.

"I'm always 30 seconds away from another mistake," he laughed.

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