TOBY Greene has had an injury-affected impact on Greater Western Sydney's season, but his teammates have full faith that the star forward can produce his best in Saturday's elimination final against Sydney at the SCG.
The gun Giant has good form coming off a spell – he's done it three times this year already because of toe, hamstring and foot issues – and if the visitors are to continue their finals campaign for another week, Greene must do it again.
Greene's finals record of nine goals from five finals is modest and won't strike any fear into the hearts of the Sydney players or coaches, but while his early reputation was built on racking up massive midfield numbers, the club champion and All Australian is these days more about moments.
Moments like his effort to inspire the underdogs midway through the second quarter of the Giants' qualifying final clash with the Swans at ANZ Stadium in 2016.
The intensity of his team's inaugural final was immense and the contest was brutal, but Greene's composure to swoop on a loose ball, dummy his way around Isaac Heeney, and slot his second goal, showed he was built to be a post-season star.
Fellow Kevin Sheedy medallist Josh Kelly told AFL.com.au that while Greene's preparation for the club's third straight finals series hasn't been ideal, he is a true match-winner and barometer for the Giants.
"Toby loves the big stage and he loves big matches," he said.
"We're a better team with him in the side and he's a massive boost for the team.
"He's a livewire, he can turn a game, he's got a bit of grunt about him and I don't think opposition teams like playing against him.
"That kind of footballer in finals is what you want to play alongside, and I love having him in the team.
"It's exciting to have him back, so we'll be jumping on his back and seeing where we go."
Greene's brilliance at ground level inside 50 will be a huge headache for Sydney, as will his aerial ability for a player of his size, and his mixture of footy smarts and skills.
GWS co-captain Phil Davis said the mere presence of the mercurial forward when the Giants run out against their cross-town rivals will have a profound influence on his teammates.
"Not only is he a good player, but he's a morale booster and is someone that gives you great confidence," he said.
"When you look ahead of the ball and you see Toby Greene down there, probably one of the best one-on-one players in the competition, it gives you huge confidence.
"We want competitors all through our team and he's probably our best competitor.
"He's worked so hard over the last three weeks, and we understand the kind of player he is and what kind of impact he'll have."
