AFL round 14: Toby Greene’s ‘silly’ strike during Fremantle Dockers clash

Greater Western Sydney Giants star Toby Greene is once again facing a potential suspension after striking a Fremantle Dockers opponent.

Greater Western Sydney Giants star Toby Greene is once again facing a potential suspension after striking a Fremantle Dockers opponent.

Greater Western Sydney Giants star Toby Greene could once again find himself in hot water with the Match Review Officer after striking an opponent during Saturday’s victory over the Fremantle Dockers at Perth Stadium.

In the fourth quarter of the round 14 fixture, Greene was filmed throwing his arm back and making contact with the chest of Fremantle defender Reece Conca.

The off-field incident took place dozens of metres away from the ball, and Conca immediately fell to the turf and grabbed his stomach.

A trainer sprinted onto the ground to assist the 28-year-old, but Conca returned to his feet and played on.

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If MRO Michael Christian believes the strike was intentional and “medium impact”, Greene would cop a one-week suspension and miss the Giants’ must-win fixture against Carlton on Thursday.

Toby Greene during the round 14 AFL match against the Fremantle Dockers.

AFL LIVE SCORES: Round 14 match centres

Brisbane Lions legend Jonathan Brown argued Greene — who boasts a lengthy MRO incident rap sheet — would be given a suspension.

“It’s always the reaction. We know the AFL’s not that keen on that action, it’s the reaction of the player — and he was clearly hurt. He’s a tough player,” Brown told Fox Footy.

“How do you define low impact to medium impact? Conca’s gone back out there so is that just low impact? No one really knows.”

Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson elaborated: “It’s just silly from Toby. There’s no need to do it.

“You’re in control of the game and in control of your opponent throughout the day as well.

“There’s just no need whatsoever to put yourself in that position.”

Speaking to reporters after the match, Giants coach Leon Cameron defended Greene: “Spoke to Toby, and he said he just brushed him aside.

“Clearly he went down, but all the talk in our locker room was just, ‘You’ll be fine’.

“Because it’s Toby, it’s going to be a headline, but we’re used to that. We’re not worried.”

Does TOBY Greene forget that his team’s games are on the telly?

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) August 29, 2020

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Having returned from a three-week absence due to injury, Greene managed 14 disposals and kicked a critical goal during the Giants’ convincing 14.7 (91) to 8.5 (53) victory over Fremantle.

Meanwhile, Giants young gun Jake Riccardi made his mark by kicking four goals in just his second AFL match.

“This bloke looks like Wayne Carey … he has been outstanding,” Brown said.

“I can’t think of a key forward who has been able to burst onto the scene like this early in his career over the last few years.”

ABC Grandstand broadcaster Ben Cameron tweeted: “For all of their top-end talent, the GWS Giants have found a player in Jake Riccardi. Compliments what they have in their forward line already too. Diamond in the rough.”