Channel Nine potentially breached TV rights agreement by showing behind-the-goals vision

The media wars are heating up, as Channel Nine face a potential breach of the AFL TV rights agreement, after using behind-the-goal vision to reveal a Toby Greene incident.

The AFL is reviewing its processes after behind-the-goals vision of an incident involving GWS Giants captain Toby Greene was shown by non-rights holder Channel Nine.

It’s understood even the AFL were unaware of the footage with Channel 7 and Fox Footy - who share the AFL rights under a record $4.5 billion deal signed in 2022 - less than impressed when Monday night’s Footy Classified show opened with the new vision of Greene appearing to kick out at Swans defender Dane Rampe.

The down-the-ground footage is available to all AFL clubs as well as the rights holders.

An AFL spokesman confirmed the league had looked into the issue.

Toby Greene and Dane Rampe altercation has sparked broadcast wars. Picture: Brett Costello

“We have identified a process error with the vision which we are reviewing,” he said.

Greene had already been suspended for one match after landing an elbow to the head of Swans star Isaac Heeney. He has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Rampe incident.

The Footy Classified panel was critical of Greene’s actions, led by former Essendon great Matthew Lloyd.

“I feel that the AFL will look at this,” Lloyd said.

“I’m not sure what they do after the event, or if this is the first time they’ve heard about or known about the vision.

Damning new vision has emerged of Toby Greene's ugly act at the start of the spiteful Sydney Derby. #9FootyClassified | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/xKtJVzS2ZO

— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 28, 2025

“The groin region and an intentional kick going to that region, it certainly must be re-looked at by the AFL. I’d expect a statement from them in the next 24 hours.”

Former GWS board member Jimmy Bartel said “kicking is a no-go” in football and pointed to Greene’s poor discipline in important matches, with seven incidents cited from finals or so-called ‘big’ games.

“It’s still pretty average,” the Brownlow medallist said.

“Kicking is a no-go, and then kicking to the groin region and throwing your legs back like that.

“This is the issue with Toby Greene, especially in big games, he sees the red mist worse than most. That’s the problem.”

Originally published as Channel Nine potentially breached TV rights agreement by showing behind-the-goals vision