FIREBRAND forward Toby Greene has been appointed vice-captain of Greater Wester Sydney as the club seeks to return to the finals after a disappointing season.
The Giants have confirmed Stephen Coniglio will remain skipper after he and the club struggled in 2020, when they finished 10th then failed to retain Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams.
2021 FREE AGENTS Check out who is up for grabs
Greene will serve as Coniglio's sole deputy in a leadership group that also includes Phil Davis, Jacob Hopper, Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly and Matt de Boer.
Greene, who has become one of the League's pantomime villains since being drafted in 2011, is no stranger to leading GWS.
The foundation Giants player most recently did the job in round 17 last season, when Coniglio became the first AFL skipper to be dropped in 22 years.
The 27-year-old's Greene's white-line fever is reflected by the fact he has been charged 19 times – and fined almost $30,000 – under the AFL's match review process.
But Greene's competitive streak, character and mentorship are highly regarded at the Giants, with his standing at the club reflected by his elevation on Wednesday.
"It's an honour to be vice-captain of a club that I love so much and that has given me so much in my life," Greene said.
"Leadership is something I've worked really hard on developing.
"It's an area I want to continue to improve in.
"I'm really proud to support 'Cogs' as our captain. We've got a really strong group that will drive us forward in 2021."
Coniglio said Greene's elevation was thoroughly deserved and a boon for the club.
"I'm lucky. He's a teammate and one of my best mates. Throughout the journey, there's been many ups and downs for both of us," the star midfielder told AAP, having been drafted alongside Greene in 2011.
"We're very fortunate to have each other. He should be very proud of himself.
"He's done a really good job over the last 18 or 24 months. I reckon he's won a few people over if they did see him as a villain.
"He's one of our best players, yes, but one of the guys you want to play with. He'll do anything for you ... he's a great person, very loyal and hard working."
Football manager Jason McCartney described Greene as a "natural fit to become vice-captain", as the Giants prepared to start their 10th season with a match against St Kilda on March 21.
CIRCLE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR The 20 matches of 2021 you won't want to miss
It is young midfielder Hopper's first time in the leadership group, while former co-captain Davis returns after being a notable omission in 2020.
"We welcome Phil back to an official leadership position," McCartney said.
"Although he's never stopped being a strong leader of our club.
"Jacob is quite simply an outstanding player and young leader, he thrives on responsibility."
