While it would be a shock if Greene were penalised for the sledge, he would be concerned about today’s MRO findings, following the Giants’ rousing second-half comeback and 44-point win.
The coming Thursday night match will have a significant bearing on the finals standings.
Toby Greene and Tom Papley get in each other’s faces.Credit: AFL Photos
The fifth-placed Giants (13-6) are still in contention for a top four berth, while the Bulldogs (11-8) are fighting to break back into the eight.
Greene has a long rap sheet, having already been charged a record-equalling 25 times throughout his career.
The AFL has a dim view on high contact. Melbourne defender Steven May was the latest player to feel the league judiciary’s wrath, rubbed out for three games for his heavy clash with Carlton’s Francis Evans. He is appealing the sentence.
Adam Kingsley said he did not see the first-quarter incident.
But the Giants coach and his Sydney counterpart Dean Cox did not think Greene had a case to answer for when it came to the “overweight” sledge.
“It’s a really important game for both clubs,” Kingsley said. “We know the importance of it, and all the players treat it seriously.
“So they are trying to put each other off, well within the rules, obviously. But that’s just AFL footy.
“Winners are grinners, and if you’re not, you move on. Five times prior to this we’ve been on the losing end, and we’ve had to move on, and I’m sure they’ll do the same.”
Cox said he did not listen to opposition players during half-time interviews.
“There’s always a bit of cheek between some of our players and their players,” Cox said.
“Some players push the boundaries a little bit – Toby’s probably one of those.”
Kingsley said he would be disappointed if Greene copped a fine for the comments.
“I mean, he didn’t use any language, did he?” Kingsley asked the media after the match.
MORE TO COME
