Giants skipper learns fate over rough conduct charge

The one-game suspension for Toby Greene has been upheld at the AFL tribunal, with the GWS captain set to miss this weekend’s clash with the Brisbane Lions.

The 30-year-old was cited for an incident with Jordan Boyd during the fourth quarter of the Giants’ round six loss to Carlton on Saturday night.

Greene was charged with careless conduct, medium impact and high contact on Boyd.

During the hearing, Greene explained his actions and why he believed he deserved to be cleared to play against the Lions, disagreeing with the prosecution’s assessment.

“The whole time I thought I was a good chance to take the mark … at the last moment I realised he was going to touch the ball before me, then I braced for impact,” he said.

“If I go in with an open chest, I open myself up to impact. Hence turning my body to protect myself, knowing he was going to get there before me.

“If I go for the mark with my hands out and he tucks in because he’s going to take the mark, I’m highly exposed and vulnerable.”

His plea fell on deaf ears however, with the tribunal sticking with the MRO decision and suspending Greene for one match.

Giants teammate Jesse Hogan has been cleared to play on Anzac Day however, with his one-game ban for striking Lewis Young overturned at the tribunal.

Jesse Hogan has been CLEARED to play by the tribunal! #9WWOS #AFL pic.twitter.com/f1lrJj8NPo

— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 23, 2024

Hogan struck Young in the head during a scuffle and the incident was initially graded intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, before being thrown out by the panel.

The 29-year-old Giants forward is leading the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 21 goals from six games and his inclusion for Thursday’s match will come as a huge boost.