Milestone man Greene lights up as Giants flex muscles
GWS superstar Toby Greene celebrated his 250-game milestone in style with a starring role in his side's hard-fought 28-point win over Carlton.
Moved into the midfield to cover for injured teammates, Greene was an influential figure throughout the Giants' 17.8 (110) to 12.10 (82) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
The inspirational skipper tallied 28 disposals, six clearances and three goals as GWS improved their record to 6-5, following four defeats in their previous five games.
Carlton, meanwhile, slipped to 4-7 heading into their mid-season bye.
Greene produced a huge opening term - 11 disposals, four score involvements and two goals - and kicked the sealer to help GWS resist a late challenge.
He had plenty of teammates willing to get their hands dirty, with Tom Green (25 disposals), Lachie Whitfield (27), Lachie Ash (28) and Xavier O'Halloran (19) all busy.
Jesse Hogan (four), Jake Riccardi (three), Callum Brown (three) and Aaron Cadman (two) all kicked multiple goals as the Giants posted their second-highest score of the season.
250 games for Toby Greene!And of course, the banner mentioned the fines 😂#AFLBluesGiants pic.twitter.com/w2MBd6lfZI
— AFL (@AFL) May 24, 2025
Blues captain Patrick Cripps struck the first blow in his battle with Toby Bedford, soaring for a mark on the tagger's shoulders and nailing a perfectly executed snap at goal.
There were eight lead changes in the first half but none after the main break as GWS, whose greater efficiency in attack led to a 10-point half-time advantage, kept their noses in front.
There was controversy when Bedford hurt his right shoulder attempting a tackle and umpires stopped play nearby several seconds later, deeming the injured player was in some danger.
Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning had possession when a ball-up was called, while Bedford took his place next to Cripps at the ensuing stoppage despite his injury.
Meanwhile, the Giants turned for home with a 14-point buffer when Riccardi delivered a dagger on the three-quarter time siren.
GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs produced a highlight when he directly volleyed through a left-foot shot at a ball-up against De Koning at the top of the goal square.
Carlton briefly got within nine points in the final term, but the Giants kicked the last three goals of the contest.
Sam Docherty had 30 disposals and a goal on return for the Blues, who had few clear winners, with Sam Walsh (26 touches) and Cripps (25, one goal) also busy.
Charlie Curnow kicked two of his three goals in the first quarter, but the Giants' defenders largely kept the Blues' tall forwards out of the contest.
Carlton's defeat came despite their dominance in contested possession (154-116) and inside-50s (58-47).
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