GWS star Toby Greene nearing full fitness after 2018 ruined by injury

A “wiser” Toby Greene is giving himself every chance of making a lasting contribution to GWS Giants’ 2019 campaign as he battles to make the club’s season-opener against Essendon.

A dejected Toby Greene after the semi-final loss to Collingwood. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A “wiser” Toby Greene is giving himself every chance of making a lasting contribution to GWS Giants’ 2019 campaign as he battles to make the club’s season-opener against Essendon on March 24.

The 25-year-old forward had ankle surgery in November on the injury he sustained during the club’s semi-final loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

This coming after he played only nine games due to a foot problem, but despite the long spells on the sidelines, he can see light at the end of the tunnel and he’s busting a gut to bring it ever closer.

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“It’s a week-by-week thing but it’s going in the right direction,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“So hopefully in the next four to six weeks I’ll be training with the boys.

“Getting (ankle) surgery was a bit frustrating but it’s all part of it (football).”

And as he puts in the hard yards to give himself the best possible crack at a successful 2019 campaign, Greene admits he is a little smarter for the setbacks.

Toby Greene at GWS training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Definitely I learnt a lot (last year),” he said.

“It was a frustrating year but you really realise the importance of understanding your body and knowing when to and when not to go too hard.

“No footy player likes being in rehab but you do what’s required.

“Look, it’s just about getting back to full fitness, that’s all I’m aiming for and whatever happens from there I’m confident will be positive.”

While the long road back to the main group is tough, he has had company in the form of pal Jon Patton.

“Jonny has been really unlucky with a few injuries but he’s remaining super positive. I’ve been doing a lot of work with him this last few weeks,” he said.

Senior coach Leon Cameron is also taking the week-by-week approach with Greene, mindful that he wants to give the player the best possible chance of enjoying as lengthy a campaign as possible.

“He’s been running for probably about four weeks now,” Cameron told The Daily Telegraph. “He’s really starting to motor along, tick over and get some yards into his legs.

“We have to be really mindful that we can get Toby ready for 20 games instead of eight to 10 and have interruption. Is it easy? No it isn’t because you always want your quality out there every week.

“But he’s chugging along, he’s on track and the whips’ll be cracking for him in a couple of weeks’ time.”

And while Greene may be frustrated at being unable to go at full throttle, he says the mood in the camp is extremely positive as Round 1 edges ever closer.

Toby Greene is excited by GWS’s additions.

“It couldn’t be better mate,” he said.

“The boys are really getting along with each other and everyone’s fitted in well. A lot of the young draftees are really impressing and it’ll be an interesting few weeks to see who’s putting their hands up for round one.

“Tom Sheridan’s coming across from Freo and he’s really impressing while young Ian ‘Bobby’ Hill looks like he’s going to be a serious player. It’s exciting times.”

And exciting times Greene has a long-term commitment to being part of, having penned a six-year contract last year.

“I wouldn’t have signed a long term deal if I didn’t believe it in (the club),” he said. “I love playing for the club and my time in Sydney. It was a no-brainer for me.”

Originally published as GWS star Toby Greene nearing full fitness after 2018 ruined by injury