AFL Sydney derby: Toby Greene, Isaac Heeney preview round 21 match

As the Swans plot how to stop Toby Greene and his Giants, one of Sydney’s biggest stars has lauded the GWS skipper as the best player in the AFL.

The Swans will be out to stop Toby Greene and the Giants on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It was the latest matchwinning performance in Toby Greene’s catalogue of highlights.

The Giants’ captain kicked four goals in the third quarter against the Bulldogs to spark a massive comeback for his side’s record seventh-straight win.

And ahead of this weekend’s Sydney Derby, the Swans are under no illusion that they have to do everything they can to stop the Greene show.

“In my opinion right now, he’s the best player in the game,” Isaac Heeney said.

“I look up to him as a player, as someone who goes about his work. He’s a super player and a super captain.

“He turned them around in the second half (against the Bulldogs) and he’s a player who can change the game off his own foot.

“To nullify him this weekend is going to be extremely important because he’s kicked nearly 50 goals this year already.”

Greene finished with five goals in the tight win over the Bulldogs in Ballarat. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Greene is a two-time All-Australian and has never been short of accolades across his 12 years in the AFL.

However, the 29-year-old is in the most prolific season of his career and has certainly entered the conversation around the competition’s best player.

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley referred to him as the best big-moment player in the AFL following his performance in Ballarat.

But it is praise that sits somewhat uncomfortably with Greene who has emerged as one of the game’s best leaders since being handed the reins at the Giants in 2022.

“It kind of frustrates me at times when other guys aren’t spoken about as much,” Greene said.

“Connor Idun, Isaac Cumming, Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield – all these guys have been amazing. You could go on with more, everyone is playing really good footy.

“I’m just a result of that as well. What happens in front of me, I rely on them.

“Everyone’s creating a really positive environment and wanting to get better every week and Monday to Friday is really great.

“We’re in a good spot but we need to keep going.”

The Giants’ skipper knows he has his teammates to thank for his career-best form. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

That starts against the Swans on Saturday night. The Giants are looking to achieve a rare double over Sydney following their one-point win in round seven at the SCG.

Only in 2019 when they made the grand final have the Giants won both regular season meetings against the Swans.

A win against Sydney would almost wrap up GWS’ finals position, and Greene admits that going into this season he wasn’t quite sure what the team could achieve.

“This year I was coming in with an open mind,” Greene said.

“We still had a lot to learn and improve and we’ve still got a really young team. But it’s a really good energy.

“When guys are playing their role and seeing the rewards, it makes it easier and contagious.

“It will be an exciting month for the footy club.”

Sydney’s win over Essendon was their third-straight as they look to force their way back into the top eight. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Swans won’t be lacking any motivation to stop the Giants’ streak either.

Not only are they wanting to stop the run of their cross-town rivals, but they’re out to prove they’re still a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

“It’s do or die for us at the moment and we can’t afford to slip,” Heeney said.

“Our best we know can match it with the best. We can beat the best.

“We’ve got belief in the group that we can get [to finals]. We need to keep driving and building as a team to get that synergy back.”

Originally published as AFL Sydney derby: Toby Greene, Isaac Heeney preview round 21 match