Is Toby Greene one of the most overrated players in the AFL?
Unfortunately, there is an obsession with fantasy points and statistics. But in modern football, a player’s foot skills and ability to use the football well are absolutely paramount to building a successful career.
Greene is not a good kick of the football and for a player who accumulates so much of the ball, he can be a liability for the Giants at times.
Despite a turbulent off-field career while at Greater Western Sydney, the 20-year-old will play his 50th game for the club this weekend.
I am not suggesting he is a terrible player, as he does have a few redeeming qualities.
Greene is a tough, hard-working player and his tackling ability has improved over his short career. But when GWS inevitably improves to the point of finals contention, Greene will need to change his role.
Many of the Giants’ emerging midfielders are exquisite users of the football and you would much rather the ball in their hands than Greene’s.
The Giants should hope that he can develop into a run-with player who can curb the influence of the opposition’s best.
There have been comparisons drawn between Greene and Collingwood champion Dane Swan. But despite both having questionable off-field interests, they are very different players.
Swan is not an elite user of the football himself, but his overhead marking, gut-running, size and goal-sense far outweigh Greene’s.
Greene is not a terrible footballer, but those suggesting he is a future Brownlow medallist are way off the mark.
Follow Jackson on Twitter – @jclark182
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