GWS Captain Toby Greene Opens Up About Violent Confrontation with Drunk Father
In a startling revelation, Greater Western Sydney Giants captain Toby Greene has admitted to knocking out his own father in the changerooms following an AFL game several years ago. The 32-year-old star shared this deeply personal story during the premiere of the new docu-series Final Siren: Inside the AFL on Prime Video, which aired at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Troubled Family History and a Shocking Incident
Greene has a strained and troubled relationship with his estranged father, Michael Greene, who has a history of legal issues, including serving time in prison for headbutting a police officer after the Giants' 2019 grand final loss to Richmond. Reflecting on the years before that grand final, Toby Greene recounted a moment of extreme embarrassment and frustration that led to physical violence.
"I knocked him out in the change rooms because he was drunk and carrying on," Greene stated in the first episode. "He's pretty loud and boisterous and he's extremely drunk. And I was just embarrassed and just told him to f*** off and punched him."
He expressed the complexity of their relationship, noting that his father was the reason he fell in love with football, yet he has had to learn hard lessons from his father's mistakes. "That's what I'll take with me and then you learn your lessons from some things that he's done that you can't do," Greene added.
Career Controversies and Personal Vows
During the episode, Greene delved into his extensive record of suspensions and fines throughout his AFL career. He acknowledged that he has crossed the line too many times in an otherwise decorated journey, but made a firm vow to avoid any further bans for the remainder of his career. This declaration was met with laughter from the audience in the MCG's Olympic Room, highlighting the skepticism surrounding his promise.
Greene also addressed the constant backlash and criticism he receives from fans due to his on-field indiscretions. He insisted that the negative attention does not affect him personally, but admitted it takes a toll on his loved ones.
Family Impact and Support System
His wife, Georgia Stirton, who has been with him since childhood, played a significant role in the episode. She revealed the horrific abuse and threats their family has endured as a result of Greene's aggressive on-field behavior.
"People are saying 'I hope family members die' or 'you should kill yourself'," Stirton shared. "Or I have a DM saying, 'you know, I saw him cheating with girls' and 'has he bashed you up?' It probably affects me more than Toby."
Stirton admitted that her husband is "no angel" but emphasized that at home, Greene is a completely different person from the antagonist seen on the football field each week. "Sometimes I just wish people could see that there is a lot more to Toby," she said.
She highlighted how becoming a father to their daughter Isla two years ago has transformed Greene, making his off-field persona even more unrecognizable compared to his aggressive on-field image. "It's amazing what little girls can do to big, tough men," Stirton remarked.
Emotional Support and Broader Insights
The docu-series also explores Greene's close bond with his mother, who, like Stirton, experiences the emotional highs and lows of his career more intensely than he does. This portrayal offers a nuanced look at the personal struggles and support systems behind one of AFL's most controversial figures.
Overall, the episode sheds light on the multifaceted life of Toby Greene, blending his professional challenges with intimate family dynamics and the impact of fame on personal relationships.
