Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene has admitted he is likely to return to Melbourne at some stage as speculation grows around his AFL future and links to Geelong continue to strengthen. The Giants star remains out of contract beyond this season and says family considerations will play a major role in his next decision.
Greene, 32, is currently weighing up whether he will finish his playing career in Sydney or eventually move back to Victoria while raising his young family with wife Georgia.
The unrestricted free agent revealed on AFL Nation that support from family members in Melbourne is becoming increasingly important as their family grows.
“It also comes down to family and life, and after footy, and I daresay we move back to Melbourne if we’ve got multiple kids, just for family reasons,” Greene said.
“At the moment, we love Sydney. We’re super settled.”
Geelong linked as possible destination
Greene has recently been connected to Geelong, with reports suggesting the Cats could target him if they fail to secure Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.
Fox Footy analyst Jay Clark said Geelong may view Greene as a strong alternative option due to his close friendship with former Giants teammate Jeremy Cameron.
“Don’t be surprised if the Cats make a big play for Toby Greene,” Clark said on First Crack.
“I think we’re going to see this man emerge as a plan B if they can’t land Zak Butters.”
Greene said he has not yet seriously entered contract negotiations with either GWS or rival clubs despite increased media attention surrounding his future.
“I haven’t thought too much about it at all. I haven’t spoken to the Giants, hardly, let alone any other club,” he said.
The former first round draft pick has spent his entire AFL career with the Giants after being selected from the Oakleigh Chargers in 2011.
Giants direction to shape decision
Greene confirmed the competitiveness of GWS over the coming years would heavily influence his next move.
“But I’m also extremely confident with where we’re at,” he said.
“I know we sit 4 and 5, and we’re not flying, but I feel like we’ve had a fair few good players out this year.”
“But I’m also confident with a lot of the guys, they’re A1 talent sort of guys, and they’re 22, 23, 24 years old.”
Greene believes the club still has the talent profile required to contend for premierships if the current group continues to develop.
“There’s no reason we shouldn’t compete, and be trying to finish top four and win finals,” he said.
After averaging almost two goals per game across 22 matches last season, Greene has endured a quieter campaign in 2026, kicking nine goals through his first nine appearances.
Family and lifestyle major factors
While football success remains important, Greene acknowledged lifestyle and long term family planning are becoming bigger priorities at this stage of his career.
“That’s a big part of it, but it’s not the sole reason,” Greene said when asked about a possible move.
“I want to enjoy my footy, I want to be at a club that’s competing, I want to get the best out of the last few years of my career.”
“They’re all factors that come into it.”
Greene also admitted he is unfamiliar with the uncertainty that comes with remaining unsigned late into a season.
“It’s something I’ve never, ever had to deal with in my whole career,” he said.
“I’ve always loved my time at the Giants, and I’ve always backed us to compete for flags and try and make finals.”