‘Amazing’ All-Australian honour personifies incredible turnaround of Giants star Toby Greene

It’s perhaps the greatest honour of villain-turned-hero Toby Greene’s career … and he found out in a green room.

Greene on Wednesday night capped off an amazing transformation from one of the AFL’s most polarising figures to one of the most respected, not only named All-Australian for a third time but also captain of the star-studded side.

While the Giants star was considered a virtual lock to make the 22-man side, the anticipation of the captaincy announcement was one of the big ticket items of the night.

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Greene, Collingwood’s Darcy Moore and Western Bulldogs’ Marcus Bontempelli were the three favourites to receive the prestigious title. Selectors, too, haven’t been afraid to give it to a less conventional leader.

But this was a night to celebrate Greene — even if he was accidentally delivered the exciting news in casual passing with Leigh Montagna while backstage.

“Aw, here’s the All-Australian captain!” Montagna said to Greene on Wednesday night in the green room, unbeknownst to him at the time, according to Fox Footy AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whateley.

Captain Greene proud of skipper honour | 02:36

Montagna noted: “I just presumed he knew … Gerard goes, ‘I don’t think he knows’.”

Indeed, it was a major moment in Greene’s career — and one he won’t forget.

It’s no secret the 29-year-old has been caught up in controversy throughout his established career, most notably visiting the tribunal several times.

The footy world was even quick to point out last week that, had the roles been reversed in the alleged ‘eye gouge’ incident with Jacob Weitering, there would’ve been widespread calls for Greene to be suspended.

Also known as the ‘Toby tax’, it’s a reputation he even admitted on Wednesday night he’d brought upon himself.

The Giants star described the honour of being All-Australian captain as “surreal” given the other names he sat alongside.

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“If you look at the names in the room, it’s just not a position I ever thought I’d be in or something I ever really think about,” he told AFL 360.

“It’s an amazing honour.”

In a season where Greene was named sole captain of Giants for the first time, his career arc has been incredible to witness.

And so him being named All-Australian captain is, not only reflective of his own transformation, but the progression of AFL skippers at large.

It no longer has to be the stereotypical loudest, toughest or best player for a team or the leader best perceived for the role.

Heck, Greene even conceded his pre-game speeches to his Giants teammates needed work, revealing his pump up to his teammates last weekend was his “worst yet”.

All-Australian captain Toby Greene. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Regardless of what other accolades he takes out in the remainder of his career, Wednesday night was validation and reward for his enormous contribution to both the Giants and game at large.

“I remember him as a 19-year old in his second year giving me lip, playing against the Giants,” Montagna told AFL 360.

“He was just a little precocious kid with a lot of those other young Giants players that came in and he was a star though.

“He was playing as a midfielder at the time and now he’s evolved into a wonderful player.

“I like it now that we can have captains doing it their own way. They’re not the cookie cutter captain that have to be portrayed in this way.

“It’s just be yourself and we’ve embraced that in recent years. I think he’s a perfect fit for that team.

“He’s been the villain, and now, I wonder if he knows that everyone is really starting to love Toby. It’s a great story.”

AFL 360 panel talks contentious misses | 02:51

It caps off Greene’s best ever season, booting 60 goals to lead the Giants’ renaissance under new coach Adam Kingsley and back into finals after the club’s bottom-three finish last year.

From that regard, Greene really flourished with the official stripe on his shoulder and proved why he’s the club’s greatest ever servant.

“I’m thrilled Toby has been recognised as captain for one, I think he’s been harshly judged over his journey,” Kangaroos legend David King said on Fox Footy.

“Let’s be honest, if the (All-Australian side) was playing a game, he’d be out suspended, they’re the facts. That’s the old Toby.

“I think it’s great recognition that you can turn it around and become a role model and lead a club that’s been down.

“They’ve been through a coaching change, but they’ve made enormous inroads, particularly in the back-half of the year, on the back of him kicking 60 goals.”

Toby Greene of the Giants celebrates a goal. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Greene was one of six captains included in the side along with James Sicily, Bontempelli, Zach Merrett, Jordan Dawson and Moore — all bar Bontempelli of whom were new skippers in 2023.

“It says the coaches and selection panel have got it right, they’ve led admirable on and off the field, most of them,” King added.

“It’s hard to be critical of any of those guys, the Dogs have had their challenges this year and Marcus has been voted best captain by his fraternity.

“I love what Jordan Dawson has been able to do this year, he’s stood up in the biggest of moments.

“Darcy Moore, what an ambassador for our code. James Sicily in different ways, Zach Merrett in different ways.

“But Toby (is) just the loveable rogue.”