Toby Greene likely to be rewarded with bumper GWS contract in 2018

AFL great Garry Lyon believes Toby Greene is now in the same category as Lance Franklin for his ability to single-handedly win games and the Giants are preparing a big money offer.

GREATER Western Sydney wants to re-sign Toby Greene to a long-term deal which could make the star forward one of its highest-paid players.

Greene will enter the final year of his contract next season and could command as much as $1 million a year, according to Melbourne champion Garry Lyon.

The Giants are keen to lock up the 2016 best-and-fairest winner to a multi-year deal to avoid the Victorian-born goalkicker becoming a free agent in 2019.

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His prized signature is a top priority for new list manager Jason McCartney when the former Western Bulldogs’ list chief officially commences the new role at GWS in February.

The Giants are confident Greene is in no danger of leaving the club and wants to drive the expansion club towards its first premiership next season.

Greene, who was one of the most dangerous half-forwards in the game last season, already indicated to former list chief Craig Cameron earlier this year he would consider a long-term contract, potentially making Greene a Giant for life.

Toby Greene kicks a goal at Giants training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The 24-year-old is happily settled in Sydney approaching his seventh AFL season.

But GWS may yet face a tricky negotiation with the club dealing with a tight salary cap after signing a host of stars including Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel and Jeremy Cameron to high-end contracts.

Key defender Phil Davis is also out of contract next year along with veteran recruit Ryan Griffen.

Greene would likely command a minimum of $750,000 a year next season, after narrowly missing All-Australian selection this year.

He has booted 89 goals and averaged 20 possessions a game over his past two seasons.

But the No.11 draft pick also needs to tone down the indiscipline which twice cost him a suspension and then a fine for making contact with his boot to Luke Dahlhaus’s face in Round 21.

Toby Greene is one of the game’s most polarising players. Picture: Michael Klein

Lyon said Greene was one of the Giants’ most important and valuable players.

“Toby Greene is the player who I would be throwing all the money at,” Lyon said.

“You need to put Greene in the ‘Buddy’ category for his ability to influence and win games.

“He is more important than Kelly. He is a better player than Kelly because he is multi-dimensional. I’m not knocking Kelly, he is extraordinary. That’s how highly I rate Greene.

“Greene won the game for them, he is a game-winner. He would have to be in the three or four highest paid players at GWS.

“As an open market proposition, he is up there with the very best. He is worth $1 million.”