Dwayne Russell believes Toby Greene is in no danger of missing out on eventually joining the AFL’s Hall of Fame, despite the forward's poor record with suspension.
Reports surfaced on Tuesday morning in The Age that club officials had told Greene he risks being overlooked for the honour once he retires, unless he can stop getting suspended.
The 28-year-old’s most recent infraction came when he made contact with umpire Matt Stevic during the Giants’ elimination final win over Sydney.
He was suspended for three weeks for that incident by the AFL Tribunal, however, the AFL is appealing that finding on Thursday night.
The Giants superstar has been found guilty by the Match Review Officer 22 times in his 176 games and has paid over $30,000 in fines, however, Russell believes Greene’s position as a great of the game isn’t in jeopardy.
“Would this stop him from being thought of as a Hall of Famer? I'm not sure it will,” he said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“When you look at who is in the Hall of Fame, Greg Williams got a nine-game suspension for umpire contact, he’s already in the Hall of Fame, Greg Williams, and he deserves to be there. Umpire contact hasn’t stopped him from being in there.
“Leigh Matthews, who is a legend of the AFL Hall of Fame, he’s got a statue at the MCG, the AFL MVP award is named after him. He was deregistered by the VFL for four weeks.
“I don’t think it’s any chance of keeping him out (of the Hall of Fame).”
Greene has evolved into one of the most exciting and dangerous players in the league as a dynamic half-forward, averaging 17 disposals and over two goals a game in 2021.
The SEN host also commeneted on the livewire's recent suspension, saying he didn't believe it was worth appealing.
“If I was the AFL, I thought at the time he deserved four weeks, that was my immediate response," he said.
“He ended up getting three weeks, it might have been light but if I was the AFL I would have let it go.”
The AFL’s appeal of Greene’s case will be held on Thursday, however, the small forward will not be required to give evidence.