Swans legend’s ‘pettiness’ in awkward medal presentation to AFL villain

GWS captain Toby Greene was the hero in the Sydney Derby, but he appeared to be brushed by a Swans legend in an awkward exchange.

Brett Kirk and Toby Greene.

Sydney Swans legend Brett Kirk appeared to brush Toby Greene when presenting the medal named after him for the best player in the Swans’ heartbreaking one-point loss to GWS on Saturday.

After taking the lead in the third quarter, the Swans looked on track to win, but the Giants refused to give up in a nailbiting final term.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The Giants kicked the last four goals of the game, including a superb snap by Greene that gave his side a one-point lead with a minute remaining.

Greene’s goal proved decisive as the Giants stole a 17.5 (107) to 16.10 (106) victory at the SCG.

The GWS skipper kicked four goals and had 22 disposals, which was enough to be awarded the Brett Kirk Medal for the player deemed to be the best on ground.

Kirk, who won the 2005 premiership with Sydney, is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Swans, and was on hand to present the medal to Greene after the game.

But viewers noticed some tension as a glum Kirk quickly put the medal around Greene’s neck and barely offered a word of congratulations to the Giants skipper.

Brett Kirk presents Toby Greene with the Brett Kirk Medal. Photo: Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

One of the more awkward medal presentations you will see. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Kirk couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Photo: Fox Sports.

Greene immediately took the medal off, possibly to ensure his individual accolade didn’t overshadow the team’s win, before returning to collect the trophy for the Lifeline Cup.

The tense moment between Kirk and Greene didn’t go unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans.

Sports reporter Andrew Wu tweeted: “Brett Kirk (as a Swans assistant coach) didn’t give Toby Greene much as he presented the Brett Kirk Medal to him.

“Greene took the medal off pretty much straight away. Love the pettiness of it all.”

My boy :( pic.twitter.com/hS2BIPHEpe

— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) April 29, 2023

brett kirk did not look like he "just loves the footy" presenting his medal

— Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) April 29, 2023

The Giants chased down a 24 point lead from the Swans late on for their biggest victory under new coach Adam Kingsley.

John Longmire’s men seemed to have the game wrapped up late with another sensational derby performance from Luke Parker helping them overturn a 10-point halftime deficit to hold a big lead in the last quarter.

Ruckman Peter Ladhams and Buddy Franklin with three goals were excellent for the Swans as well but this Giants team continued to show plenty of fight and they refused to give in when all seemed lost.

Two majors from Harry Perryman, one from outside 50, helped claw them back into the game in the final quarter, setting things up for Greene to do what he does best and win a game of football off his own boot.

There’s no love lost between the two Sydney sides and a halftime melee demonstrated that.

Just as it was starting to simmer, Greene ran in and threw Callum Mills to the ground sparking an all-in push and shove that may see some fines issued from the MRO.

As per usual Greene had a say in matters, his final minute intervention was far more powerful.

— With NCA Newswire