Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants captain Toby Greene is making headlines once more, this time for being cited for two separate incidents against Collingwood during their match on March 9, 2025. Greene received significant penalties this week, totaling $11,500, as he continues to edge closer to becoming the most fined player in the history of the AFL.
First on the list was Greene's fine of $10,000, which was later downgraded to $6,250 due to his guilty plea for kneeing Collingwood's teenage player, Reef McInnes. This charge marks Greene's third for kneeing, indicating a pattern of conduct the AFL is clearly watching. Typically, first offenses for such actions might attract fines of $3,000, downgraded to $2,000 if the player pleads guilty early.
The second incident involved careless contact with an umpire, which resulted in Greene being fined $1,500, reduced to $1,000 under the same plea conditions. This is notable as he has previously faced severe penalties, including a six-match suspension back in 2021 for intentional contact with umpire Matt Stevic—a ruling drastic enough to spark debates around player conduct and the seriousness of such infractions.
With these penalties, Greene's total fines during his career have now skyrocketed to $44,100, making him only $900 shy of overtaking Port Adelaide's Zak Butters for the dubious honor of the AFL's most fined player. Greene's extensive track record shows 28 separate charges over his career, compared to Butters' 18.
Adding to the drama, Lachie Ash, another member of the Giants, was also fined $6,250—downgraded to $3,750 for his own separate incident of rough conduct against Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury. This cascading series of fines and penalties has reignited discussions about discipline within the league.
Commentary around Greene's incidents has been particularly colorful. Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire made waves with his claims on Channel Nine's Footy Classified, alleging 'women at AFL house' pressured the league to impose Greene's suspension back when he was penalized for contact with Stevic. His assertion has drawn backlash from fans and analysts alike, many finding it hard to take his claims seriously.
On social media, many expressed shock at McGuire's comments, with one user stating, "Wtf, Eddie really blamed women for Toby Greene’s suspension for intentional contact with an umpire." Another criticized McGuire's overall bias and asserted his inability to rationally judge Greene's situational penalties.
Despite the controversies, Greene remains confident about his team's performance this season. Following their impressive win against Collingwood, where they triumphed by 52 points, Greene commented on the team’s superior athletic condition, stating, "There was a clear athletic advantage" evident throughout the match. Greene also remarked on the team's strong position heading forward, eager to maintain high intensity as they prepare for their next game against Melbourne.
The Giants showcased their depth by scoring seven goals to Collingwood’s two during the second half, highlighting their strength and fitness levels early on this season. Greene noted, “It was good to have reassuring performance on the weekend... it's really motivating to get back to the season and try to finish in the top four.”
Despite the fines, Greene shows no signs of letting up, humorously alluding to his upcoming wedding expenses, calling for discipline as he expressed hope this would be the last fine of the year. He also maintained, "Hopefully, I can find a way to avoid these fines moving forward, but I’ll just have to keep my actions check.”
The incidents have not only put Greene under scrutiny but have raised larger questions about the standards of player behavior and the effectiveness of the penalty system within the AFL. Sports commentators like Gerard Healy and Jordan Lewis have criticized the inconsistency of rulings and penalties, arguing Greene should have faced suspension for his actions—suggesting the league often opts for leniency over stricter disciplinary measures.
Healy, alongside Lewis, voiced concerns over the AFL's lenient approach to Greene's situation, implying the league has granted him "a get-out-of-jail-free card". Their comments reflect growing frustration among commentators and fans who feel the AFL must maintain higher standards of player conduct.
Greene's antics and subsequent fines have become symbolic of broader issues within the AFL, raising questions about accountability and the league's commitment to player conduct. His career reflects the struggles of maintaining discipline on the field, leading to serious conversations about future reforms needed to protect the integrity of the game.
With his next match looming against Melbourne, all eyes will be on Greene—not only to see how he performs but also to gauge whether he can navigate the season without adding more fines to his already hefty total. For the GWS Giants, it's not just about winning games; it’s now about keeping their star player on the field without incurring the kind of penalties threatening to overshadow their potential success this season.