Toby Greene appointed sole captain of GWS Giants for 2023

Toby Greene will be captain of the GWS in 2023.

The 29-year-old superstar has been named sole skipper as the club embarks on a new era under coach Adam Kingsley.

Greene previously served as co-captain alongside Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly but will fly that job solo this season.

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“It’s a great honor,” said Greene.

“I’ve come a long way and it’s taken a long time, but I’ve worked a lot on my leadership skills.

“As a young kid I probably wasn’t anywhere near that and trying to get my bearings in AFL football, but I’m in my 12th season now and I’ve been at it from the start.

“It’s a great honor and I will certainly put all my time and effort into doing the best job possible.”

Greene, a founding player with the Giants, has played 191 games at the club, winning a Best and Fairest and two All Australian selections.

While his groundbreaking approach to the game often lures opposing fans, his importance to the GWS team cannot be underestimated.

Wednesday’s captain’s announcement is a feather in the cap for a player who has often made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Greene said he will be joined by vice-captains Coniglio and Kelly, along with Tom Green, Harry Perryman, Sam Taylor and Connor Idun, who form a redesigned leadership group.

“We have a super strong relationship … we have a really strong bond and I’m going to rely heavily on these two throughout the year,” Greene said.

“I look forward to working with them alongside the four new players who have also been added to the leadership group.

“It’s an exciting mix with the four newcomers and the three of us who have been here for a long time.”

GWS football manager Jason McCartney credited Greene’s development on and off the pitch.

“We are delighted to appoint Toby as captain of our club for 2023 and beyond,” he said.

“Not only is Toby one of the most dynamic players in AFL competition, he is a formidable leader who brings out the best in his teammates and is determined to push the Giants to greater heights.

“Since joining our club as an 18-year-old draftee, Toby has not only helped build the Giants, he has continued to grow and develop as a player and as a leader.

“With a new head coach and coaching staff, we have undertaken a thorough leadership process with a preference for the one-captain model as we embark on a new chapter for our club.”

The Giants begin the 2023 season at home in Port Adelaide on Sunday, March 19.