‘A little down’ but ominous signs for Greene

Greater Western Sydney coach Adam Kingsley concedes superstar captain Toby Greene is “a little down” but still ranked “elite” in enough statistical areas to be making a massive impact for the Giants.

Last year’s All-Australian captain, Greene has managed just 11 goals from eight games this season and only two in the past three games, all Giants losses.

But Kingsley said the superstar’s efforts, while not up to 2023 levels, were hitting certain targets for this team and even sensed a possible turn in fortunes as soon as Saturday’s showdown with long-time enemies, the Western Bulldogs.

“He’s still having an enormous impact for us,” Kingsley said on Friday.

“The simple reality is he’s not walking away with three or four goals every week, so maybe his impact gets glossed over, but I’m sure that finish will return pretty quickly.

“One thing with a key forward is you can sort of be off your game but it can turn really quickly and we’re hoping (Saturday) is the day.”

Greene had a career-best year in 2023, booting 66 goals as the Giants came from the clouds to make the preliminary final.

The GWS captain has conceded he’s been down on form, with some even suggesting he could be dealing with an undisclosed injury.

But Kingsley said while some parts of Greene’s game “aren’t quite at the level they were last year”, he pointed to some key metrics that showed that his impact was still profound

“His finishing, he’s not quite getting that done, and perhaps his contest is a little down” Kingsley said.

“In terms of one-on-one contests he’s normally a little bit better, but that will come, I’m really confident in that.

“What we can’t overlook is the fact he still ranks ‘elite’ for possessions for his position, inside-50s, ground balls, marks, score assists and score involvements.”

Red-hot GWS forward Jesse Hogan has somewhat defied the team’s recent form slump, reaching 26 goals through the opening nine games, scoring at least one goal in every match so far.

As he heads into game 150 on Saturday, Hogan, who joined the Giants after less successful stints at first Melbourne then Fremantle, and had endured injuries, personal battles and illness, had become important in more ways than one, Kingsley said.

“His start to the season has been really good for us. He provides a big target on the field for us, a reliable target,” Kingsley said.

“But off the field he’s equally important, particularly to our young key forwards. We’ve got a few of them; Jake Riccardi, Aaron Cadman, Max Gruzewski.

“They’re young kids who are still finding their way and learning their craft and Jesse’s certainly one who’s experienced but also very knowledgeable in the details and the intricacies of being a key forward.

“His ability to pass on that knowledge has been invaluable so far and I’m sure he’ll continue to do that.”

Saturday’s match is the first home game for the Giants in more than two months, providing an extra element of hope amid the run of losses.