The promising 20-year-old midfielder received a five-match suspension and a $5000 fine for drinking alcohol while injured and failing to properly notify the Giants that he had been involved in an incident at a Melbourne nightspot last Monday night.

 

Greene was charged by police with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, affray, assault in company, assault by kicking, assault with a weapon, unlawful assault, making threats to inflict serious injury, being drunk in a public place and criminal damage.

Greene's manager Paul Connors had earlier spoken of trying to have the punishment reduced, believing a five-match ban was too harsh. 

 

But after further discussions at the weekend, all parties agreed with the extent of the sanctions, which were recommended by the Giants' player leadership group.

 

Greene expressed his regret for breaching the club's guidelines.

 

"I fronted my teammates on Friday and told them I was sorry for letting them and the club down," he said in a club statement.

 

"I failed to meet the standards required of the playing group and fully accept the sanctions handed down by the player leadership group.

 

"I am determined to work hard to regain not only my spot in the team but also the respect of my teammates."

 

The Giants said they, along with Greene's management, will "work with Greene to provide him with appropriate support".

 

A 19-year-old Melbourne man was charged along with Greene after the alleged incident late on Monday night, which took place at Zagames in Caulfield East.

 

Both men were granted bail, and are due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 25.