AFL 2023: GWS captain Toby Greene pays tribute to long-time rival Lance Franklin after his retirement announcement

In Lance Franklin’s first game as a Swan, he ended up on the ground wrestling Toby Greene. But that moment doesn’t reflect the Giants star’s true feelings for Buddy.

Toby Greene has the ultimate respect for his long-time rival, Lance Franklin. Picture: Phil Hillyard

During Lance Franklin’s first game as a Swan, against the Giants in 2014, he ended up on the ground tussling with Toby Greene.

It was a sign of what was to come with Franklin relishing the match-up against Sydney’s cross-town rivals.

But for Greene, he was hoping to take another piece of Franklin this Saturday, but in a far more respectful manner.

He had planned to swap jumpers with the legendary forward in what was set to be his final Sydney Derby as a Swan, before Franklin announcement his retirement on Monday.

Toby Greene and Lance Franklin will go down as two of the great modern forwards. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s probably the (guernsey) I wanted,” said Greene.

“He’s been a hero of mine for a long time. And playing in the forward line as well, I’ve got a great appreciation for him.

“Growing up as a kid, before I got drafted, his goals against Essendon were pretty iconic. I remember a goal he kicked at Giants Stadium a while ago as well, it was pretty special from about 60 metres out on the junction.

“There were plenty of good ones from him.”

Franklin averaged three goals a game against the Giants across his career and this Saturday’s clash was set to be no different.

He had been lined up to do a promotional photo shoot with Greene before his injury and subsequent retirement on Monday.

And the Giants captain was excited for a final match against one of the greatest to play the game.

Greene and Franklin clash in Buddy’s first game as a Swan. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I was really looking forward to it,” Greene said.

“I’m a bit flat that he’s not (playing). But there’s not always a perfect ending in footy.

“He’ll be remembered forever. It probably helps us he’s not playing, but it would have been good to see him out there and have one last go against him.”

Greene has had a front-row seat to the Buddy Show on many occasions but is aware of just how big an impact he has had.

While he was a role model for young forwards like himself while he was playing for Hawthorn, since moving to Sydney he has earned a whole new generation of fans.

As one of the Giants’ foundation players, Greene has seen the increase in participation and membership numbers across NSW. And there’s no doubt in his mind that Franklin’s move to Sydney played an important role in growing the sport.

“He’s been massive and really helped build the game,” Greene said.

“He just creates a want to come to the footy and watch it and really brought the game onwards and upwards in NSW.

“He’ll be sorely missed in NSW and the AFL.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: GWS captain Toby Greene pays tribute to long-time rival Lance Franklin after his retirement announcement