GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley addresses awkward questions about Toby Greene’s future
Adam Kingsley has been quizzed on the future of his club’s spiritual leader, and his answer may alarm Giants fans.
GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley says he is unsure if captain and spiritual leader Toby Greene will be at his club next year.
It is widely known Greene is considering a return to his home state, Victoria, and is expected to do some serious thinking about his future over the next few weeks.
Appearing on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters on Wednesday night, Kingsley was directly asked about Greene, a Giants’ foundation member who has played more than 270 games for the expansion club.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Your captain Toby Green said he’d probably make his mind up in the bye (about) what he decides to do (with his AFL future). If he decides to go and he’s made up his mind ... would you expect him to tell you?” 7SPORT expert Tom Morris asked Kingsley.
Kingsley’s response was blunt.
“Not sure,” the coach said on The Agenda Setters.
After giving it some more thought, Kingsley expanded.
“Probably ... I mean it won’t impact the way that I communicate to Toby. It won’t impact the way that he plays,” Kingsley said.
“You know he’s a full pro. That’s what they do in the NRL up here. We do find it a little bit strange (in the AFL) but they seem to find a way and still move on and perform.”
Morris continued to quiz Kingsley on the Greene situation.
“So you’re hopeful that he’ll stay. Do you think that he’ll stay?” Morris asked.
Kingsley explained he was unsure but again had two words to say on the matter: “Who knows.”
The Giants coach said he expected Greene to inform the club of his decision sooner rather than later, emphasising the importance of the 32-year-old to the team’s structure.
“I would expect Toby would certainly let us know earlier rather than later and we’re very hopeful that he stays,” Kingsley said.
“He’s obviously a critically important player to us and a captain and a foundation member and really set the culture as to how it actually sits right now, so we’d like to see him continue that.”
But Kingsley stressed he was uncertain how the Greene cars would fall, but remained cautiously optimistic.
“Well I don’t really know. I think he’ll stay based on his actions and the way that he carries himself around the club but who knows,” he said.
When asked about recruit Clayton Oliver, Kingsley said he was absolutely thrilled with the former Melbourne star.
“He’s contributed to us enormously. I think he’s back to his best form ... He’s been one of our most important and best players so far this year,” Kingsley said.
