Toby Greene, the captain of GWS, may face further investigation by the AFL’s match review committee after video surfaced showing him kicking Sydney Swans player Dane Rampe in the groin prior to the match last Friday at Engie Stadium. The footage aired on Nine’s Footy Classified and shows Greene making contact while attempting to adjust his position.
Greene is already set to miss the upcoming game against the Western Bulldogs due to a prior incident where he struck Isaac Heeney with a forearm to the head. His actions have raised concerns about discipline on the field, especially as he has a history of contentious behaviour during key games.
Former Essendon player Matthew Lloyd expressed that the severity of Greene’s actions should prompt the AFL to review the kicking incident. He noted the potential implications of kicking to the groin and suggested that a formal statement from the AFL could be expected within the next day. However, it has been reported that the Sydney Swans have not raised any concerns regarding the incident with the AFL.
AFL journalist Damien Barrett pointed out that the Swans appear unfazed by Greene’s actions, but fellow panelist Jimmy Bartel, a Geelong legend, called the kick “average” and unacceptable. He highlighted that kicking is generally prohibited in the game and emphasised the need for Greene to control his temperament, particularly in high-stakes matches. Bartel acknowledged Greene’s propensity for losing focus during pressure situations, which can detrimentally affect his team, especially when close to critical games.
In summary, Greene’s recent actions, including the forearm strike and the kick to Rampe, may lead to further scrutiny as he continues to navigate his role as captain amidst ongoing disciplinary challenges.