Source : ABC NEWS
Toby Greene has become the first major AFL free agency domino to fall, with Greater Western Sydney to receive a second-round draft pick for losing their former captain to Geelong.
The Cats lodged paperwork on Friday to land the inaugural Giant as an unrestricted free agent.
Greene, a triple All Australian and dual club champion, booted 450 goals across his 15-year, 282-game tenure for GWS.
The 33-year-old cited family reasons for returning to his native Victoria and reuniting with his close mate and former Giants forward Jeremy Cameron at the Cattery on a lucrative three-year deal.
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The Giants will receive a second-round draft selection as compensation, currently slated at number 26.
Earlier, key forward Joel Amartey’s switch from Sydney to Carlton was confirmed as the free agency period opened.
The Swans will receive draft compensation for losing the unrestricted 27-year-old, who was an emergency during finals after failing to convince coach Dean Cox following a partial Achilles tear.
Paperwork will be lodged later on Friday to rubber-stamp Lachie Neale’s move to Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent after the Brisbane Lions star added a third premiership medal to his swag of silverware.
Melbourne’s 2021 premiership vice-captain Jack Viney is poised for a move with two years remaining on his contract after meeting with West Coast.
After being sidelined through injury for all but one game this season, the 32-year-old was told by coach Steven King there would likely be limited opportunities for him in the Demons midfield.
“Footy’s gone that way mate,” Viney told 10 News at Perth Airport on Thursday.
“So took a bit to process early days, but we’re here now, so we’ll make the best of the opportunity … it [a deal] will get done.”
Young Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear, meanwhile, has opted to stay at the Hawks on a two-year deal after weighing up a potential move to the Dees.
The 21-year-old, son of late 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear, burst onto the scene in his debut season with 25 goals from 17 appearances in 2024.
But the emerging tall has struggled to hold his spot through injury and internal competition, adding just 14 games in 2025 and 2026.
“We are very excited about what the future holds for Calsher with a strong pre-season under his belt and greater continuity into 2027 and beyond,” Hawks list manager Mark McKenzie said.
Hawthorn’s key forward selection squeeze is set to worsen in 2027, with Gold Coast’s restricted free agent Ben King expected to join Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol and Dear.
AAP
