‘A lot to work on’: GWS Giants captain Toby Greene reflects on his quiet start to the 2024 season

Star GWS captain Toby Greene admits he hasn’t been at his scintillating best this season, but last season’s All Australian captain knows a return to his and the Giants’ best footy isn’t far away.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Toby Greene of the Giants looks dejected after the Giants were defeated by the Bombers during the round nine AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium, on May 11, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Toby Greene admits he has had a quiet start to the season but last year’s AFL All-Australian captain is confident the work he is putting in will pay off.

The GWS skipper, 30, has only kicked 11 goals in eight matches this year and was well-corralled again by Jake Kelly in their loss to the Bombers last weekend. He still finished with two majors in a positive after back-to-back games without a goal, but it’s still well below his own high standards.

While he confirmed his dip in form wasn’t a result of sleepless nights as a new dad, Greene couldn’t put a finger on why his output had been down in 2024.

“Certainly been a bit quieter to start the year and there’s a lot for myself to work on,” the Giants’ captain said.

“A lot of the boys were flying in the first six weeks and it was really a joy to be a part of. The last few weeks have been a little bit disappointing, not being able to help as much as I could and contribute to turning those losses around.

“I haven’t been as sharp, but I wouldn’t put it down to anything…I’m working just as hard and trying to be the best player I can be and contribute in a way that helps the team win, but I’ve got plenty to work on and I’m confident it’ll come.”

Greene knows he has been far from his best in 2024. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

For most of the season, the Giants haven’t needed a fit and firing Greene. Other players like Jesse Hogan and Callum Brown have been in red-hot form and kicking goals for fun.

But the past two weeks have seen GWS score just 69 and 62 points respectively, their two lowest totals of the season. They have also been restricted to just five goals after quarter time for two consecutive weeks.

Greene knows he has a role to play in helping the entire forward line turn things around.

“The first few weeks, Browny, Hoges was in career-best form, Brent Daniels, Toby Bedford, all these guys are playing really important roles in the forward line,” Greene said.

“As a collective, the last few weeks we’ve all been a bit down and that’s something we want to rectify. We’re certainly aware of it and we know where we want to get to.”

The Giants are also tempering concerns over their 20-point loss to Essendon knowing that they came up against one of the best teams in the AFL.

Not only are the Bombers flying in third place, but their pressure rating of 195 against GWS was their highest measure of the year. It was also the second-most the Giants have received, with only the wet Sydney Derby topping it in 2024.

The Bombers’ relentless pressure made it hard for the Giants to transition effectively into attack. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

While the Giants still finished with a pressure rating of 182, the exact competition average, they know that is a facet of the game they pride themselves on that hasn’t been up to scratch in the past fortnight.

Post-match, Adam Kingsley suggested for the second week that his team had come up against a side more desperate to win. It’s clear that’s a tag Greene wants to shake off as quickly as possible.

“It was disappointing mostly because of the build-up we had for Wardy’s (Callan Ward) 300th,” Greene said. “We really wanted to get it done for him.

“The Bombers are one of the better teams at the moment, Swans were the same last week. They’re who we need to get to at the moment.

“On the weekend, Essendon’s pressure was really good. I think they were near two the whole game which is a high level. We certainly felt that and we probably couldn’t match it.

“I think our contest is something we need to work on all over the ground. Forwards and backs, it’s something Swans got a hold of us and probably the Bombers, especially in the second half.

“It is a little bit disappointing, it’s something that we like to pride ourselves on. We’re just not at the level we want to get to at the moment. But we’re confident it’s something we’ve shown we can put an emphasis on and get there.”