‘Can’t say I’ll ever stop’: Green luckily escapes ban

Giants superstar Toby Greene has escaped with a fine for striking Carlton’s Nic Newman.

The incident occurred in the third quarter and saw the GWS star reported for striking the Blues stopper across his stomach.

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If found guilty, the incident would’ve been assessed as intentional and to the body.

The question for Match Review Officer Michael Christian was whether the impact was significant enough to warrant a medium impact grading and a one-game ban.

Toby Greene has been reported for striking after this incident. #AFLGiantsBluespic.twitter.com/tupm9RovUr

Instead, Christian assessed the incident as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact.

Greene was also assessed for making contact with umpire Jacob Mollison after he was reported but the MRO said the incident didn’t constitute a reportable offence.

The GWS man had a day to remember on Saturday, kicking two fourth quarter goals to help the Giants stave off an unlikely Carlton comeback.

He finished the match with four majors and 20 disposals to his name.

After the game, coach Leon Cameron stood by his divisive small forward when quizzed about the striking incident.

“I think in the last couple of years, Toby has gone a long way to tidying up a lot of those things,” he said.

“He’s really tidied up in that area and let his footy do the talking and let his leadership do the talking.

“I’m not too concerned about it, but I’ll keep making sure that he’s addressing all the areas of his game and what he can improve on.

Greene had a strong showing against Carlton.Source:Getty Images

“Toby’s such a passionate player … that’s what we love about him.

“I love his passion, I love the way that he goes about his footy, I love the way he’s leading.

“There’s a lot of good things and a lot of right things going on with Toby Greene at the moment.”

Greene has been a regular offender with the MRO over the years. He has been fined more than $26,000 across his career and suspended for seven matches.

Asked about the incident on Sunday, Greene said he was expecting a fine to come his way.

“I think I’ll pay my fine and move on. It was a little bit silly but it is what it is,” he told 3AW.

“I guess it’s frustrating (being reported again) but it was more of a reaction to being held. I’ve got to obviously reign it in a bit but I can’t say I’ll ever stop doing it.

“It’s part of what I’ve been doing for a long time and as long as you keep playing every week I’ll just keep trying to do what I can.”

Originally published asGWS star’s shocking admission

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