'Not going to be there': Toby Greene's 'devastating' family tragedy

A devastating family tragedy will be at the forefront of Toby Greene's thoughts when GWS chase a history-making AFL grand final win against Richmond.

Greene's off-field indiscretions have seen the Giants star thrust into the headlines throughout the AFL season.

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The talented forward had to watch on nervously while his teammates overcame Collingwood in a nail-biting preliminary final at the MCG last weekend.

Greene's one-game ban for unnecessary contact with the eye region of Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale was the latest in a long line of indiscretions but he insists it won't curb his aggression levels in the AFL decider.

Off the field, however, Greene has been dealing with private heartbreak, with his mother Kate revealing that Toby's cousin Finley took his own life in June.

“(It) was, as you can imagine, devastating for our family,” Kate Greene said on Melbourne’s 3AW radio station.

“I had to ring up Toby in Sydney and tell him what happened and he just drove straight to the airport in his shorts and thongs and jumped on the first plane to come home. Since that, we’re just picking up the pieces.

“My three boys and my sister’s two boys have grown up together, they’re a very close family and now one of them isn’t going to be there on Saturday.”

Greene left a heartfelt tribute to his late cousin on Instagram with a plea to others who may be struggling in their lives.

The GWS forward's return will be a huge boost for a side considered big underdogs against Richmond on Saturday.

Greene's mum insists his late cousin will be at the front of his mind if the Giants are able to win against the odds and create history.

“If they get the win Toby would like to dedicate his game to Finley,” Kate said.

“To my sister and to her other son, and her husband John, it will mean the world.

“I hope for Finley’s sake the Giants get the win.”

'Selfless' Coniglio out of AFL grand final

If GWS are to win a maiden AFL flag, they'll have to do it without Stephen Coniglio.

The star midfielder ruled himself out of the grand final in a selfless gesture ahead of the big dance.

Coniglio, who has missed nine games with a knee injury, made the decision after training on Wednesday.

Giants football manager Wayne Campbell revealed the news at the club's grand final lunch in Sydney.

“This is a selfless decision by Stephen and typical of the man he is,” Campbell said.

“He left it all on the training track today and ultimately he decided he doesn’t think he is capable of playing out the whole game and therefore didn’t want to let his teammates down.

“His decision has the full support of everyone and we know he’ll continue to support the team to the best of his ability as he has over the past 10 weeks.”

Richmond are also dealing with their own hard-luck stories.

Star defender Alex Rance, tough midfielder Jack Graham and livewire Jack Higgins will be sorely missed in Saturday's premiership decider.

A fourth wounded Tiger, first-year dynamo Sydney Stack, has not yet been officially ruled out but is highly unlikely to return.

For the Giants, there’s also co-captain Callan Ward and veteran Brett Deledio.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

With AAP