Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis believes the potential departure of GWS captain Toby Greene at year’s end could have devastating ramifications for the club beyond losing his star power and leadership.
Speculation surrounding Greene’s future in western Sydney has intensified in recent weeks, with the Giants star linked notably to a potential move to Geelong at the end of 2026.
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Speaking to Fox Footy’s On the Couch on Monday night, Lewis said the possibility of Greene seeking success elsewhere would send a harsh message about the premiership credentials of Adam Kingsley’s side.
“A lot has been made about the Gold Coast Suns and the culture and what that is doing. But, the talk around Toby Greene leaving the Giants, I think that destroys the club,” Lewis said on Monday night.
“You’ve got this player who, albeit, is not playing at his absolute best — he’s the captain. He’s the culture, he’s the guy that leads from the front; yet he’s telling us he potentially wants to go and seek premiership success.
“You look at the list demographic for the Giants, and they look like they’re in premiership contention in terms of the talent and all that sort of stuff.
“I just think you look at that, and you look at the Suns with (Ben) King wanting to leave, (Bailey) Humphrey (noise) still bubbling around and Jed Walter.
“I think that they are in a really vulnerable position to, one, attract talent, but two, to convince the talent that’s still there that they are still challenging.”
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Speaking across various outlets so far this season, Greene has remained undecided on where he may be playing in 2027. He has so far played a 275 games as an inaugural player at the Giants — the most of anyone in their history.
The 32-year-old forward hails from Victoria, and alongside Stephen Coniglio, is the only player left at the club since their 2012 inception.
Alongside Greene, out-of-contract young gun Nick Madden has heavy interest from Richmond, as first revealed by foxfooty.com.au in early May. Key forward duo Jake Riccardi and Max Gruzewski also remain without a deal for 2027, and have begun to receive rival interest.