Toby Greene could be in trouble after this despicable act on the field

TOBY Greene is still making a name for himself in the AFL, but he’ll become known for all the wrong reasons if he is guilty of this alleged transgression.

AFL Rd 12 - GWS v North Melbourne

THERE are many things that earn the ire of the AFL match review panel. Slinging tackles, bumps gone wrong, spoils that collect an opponent’s head instead of the ball. But one thing sure to garner a negative response from everyone in the AFL community is spitting.

That is what some are alleging GWS midfielder Toby Greene has done in his side’s Round 14 loss to Richmond, with cameras capturing the 21-year-old appearing to spit in the direction of former teammate Anthony Miles.

The incident unfolded in the second term of an exhilarating match between the two sides at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, and drew a significant response on social media.

Not a good look what Toby Greene did #AFLTigersGiants

— Liam (@bomberliam) July 4, 2015

Can someone send Toby Greene to #Wimbledon2015 to spit on Bernard #Tomic please #AFLTigersGiants

— Ares Mars (@AresMarsFlack) July 4, 2015

Toby Greene has matured to be fair he's gone from king hitting and kicking to spitting at people it's a start #AFLTigersGiants

— Shiellsy (@chadnotweet) July 4, 2015

Greene isn’t the only player who faces the potential of spending time on the sidelines, with Tigers ruckman Ivan Maric reported for elbowing Jack Steele in the neck, while Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin also faces a nervous wait after a mistimed spoil attempt on Zac Williams.

Richmond emerged victorious from the clash, coming from 15-points down at the final change to secure a narrow win.

With the temperature stuck in single digits through a bleak afternoon, Tigers fans in the 36,000-strong crowd would have been tempted to move on at three-quarter time.

But rewarding their patience, Richmond finally returned to the form that earned them super away wins over Sydney and Fremantle last month.

Jack Riewoldt, easily the Tigers’ best forward, started the comeback with a 50 metre bomb and midfield warrior Shane Edwards sealed it with a mark and finish inside the final minute.

Jeremy Cameron momentarily stopped the GWS dam from bursting, responding with a fine snap goal.

As talented as he is, people weren’t talking about Greene’s football after the match.

But Edwards’ stunning solo clearance and goal from the restart followed by a nice captain’s effort from Trent Cotchin won back the momentum.

Looking on the bright side, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said their fourth-term revival was a sign of maturity.

“GWS to their credit were outstanding in their endeavour, their attack on the ball ... for the vast majority they probably outplayed us,” said Hardwick.

“Probably 12 months ago, 18 months ago, we lose that game.

“There’s a positive out of it although we didn’t play anywhere near as well as we would have liked.”

Richmond stay sixth with their eighth win of the year, while the Giants third loss in a row keeps them ninth.

GWS coach Leon Cameron said his side’s fade out was frustrating.

“It’s disappointing, because you win two quarters, draw one and just get beaten in the last,” he said.

“I thought for three-and-a-half quarters we made Richmond earn every possession.

“Effort was there but for 15 or 20 minutes they didn’t deliver on the basic fundamentals.”

— with AAP

Originally published as Toby Greene could be in trouble after this despicable act on the field