Toby Greene is like a kid at Christmas heading into his first pre-season at Geelong.

The reality of his return to Victoria officially set in this week after the 33-year-old and his family packed up their lives in Sydney and moved to the Surf Coast.

When he arrives at the Cats for his first official training session later this month — after signing a three-year deal to end a 15-year stint as a GWS Giant — it will be like starting all over again.

Greene has already caught up with some of his new teammates and coaching staff for informal sessions as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

“There’s a lot of excitement and I’m sure there will be some nerves on day one, but I’ll be like a sponge for the first pre-season in a new environment,” he said.

“He’s (Chris Scott) a gun coach and I had him briefly during Origin, and on Wednesday I met all of the assistants as well and there’s quite an amazing group.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the guys and learning new things.”

While the fresh start is exciting for Greene, the opportunity to play alongside best mate Jeremy Cameron again was a major drawcard in his move south.

The former Giants skipper said he is hopeful the dual Coleman Medallist can get back to his best after his 2026 season was interrupted by injury.

Cats fans will also be hoping the pair can form a dynamic duo, with Cameron on track to play his 300th AFL game in Round 1 against Sydney next year.

“I think we’ve always worked really well together and bounced off each other really well — we know how each other plays,” Greene said.

“We have a lot of fun away from footy as well and our families get along really well with each other, so it will be good fun.”

The two families recently holidayed together and, since moving into their new home, Greene and his daughter have already headed out to Cameron’s farm.

Greene also hopes to get out on the water with his great mate, something that might catch the ear of skipper Patrick Dangerfield, who loves his fishing away from footy.

“I love the ocean traditionally, I’m into my spearfishing,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into that with Jez — we should be starting soon.”

Greene’s arrival via free agency was the start of another impressive off-season for the Cats.

He was one of three recruits added alongside former Essendon defender Jordan Ridley, who sought a fresh challenge as he looks to put his injury woes behind him.

Ruckman Rowan Marshall also got his move from St Kilda, 12 months after initially requesting a trade.

For Greene, several factors attracted him to the blue and white hoops.

“It’s a really highly renowned football club,” he said.

“They run a great program and have been highly successful for a long time, that’s obviously attractive.

“There’s a great lifestyle opportunity, living down the coast, being around friends and family and having a close relationship with Jez as well.”

Greene’s move to Geelong isn’t just about footy either, as he looks to connect with the local community.

Later this month, he is bringing his 5th Quarter Camps to the region, hosting sessions at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus on Saturday, November 28, and Torquay’s McCartney Oval on Sunday, November 29. Both sessions will run between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Aimed at kids aged between five and 13, the program focuses on fundamental skills. Greene will also be joined by another AFL star with their identity to be confirmed shortly.

“It’s a great experience for me, being able to teach the things I do every day in my training, whether it’s the little skills or exercises,” he said.

“I try and make it as fun as possible.”

You can sign up for the camps at https://5thquartercamps.com.au/

Originally published as Toby Greene opens up on Geelong move, Jeremy Cameron reunion