+34Toby Greene has left the GWS Giants after 15 seasons to join Geelong as an unrestricted free agent, with the Giants receiving a second-round draft pick as compensation.
Toby Greene has officially joined Geelong as a free agent after 15 seasons with the GWS Giants. The Cats lodged paperwork on Friday to land the inaugural Giant as an unrestricted free agent.
Geelong secure Toby Greene in free agency
Greater Western Sydney will receive a second-round draft pick for losing their former captain to Geelong. The compensation pick is currently slated at number 26. Greene, a triple All Australian and dual club champion, booted 450 goals across his 15-year, 282-game tenure for GWS. The 33-year-old cited family reasons for returning to his native Victoria.
He will reunite with his close mate and former Giants forward Jeremy Cameron at the Cattery on a lucrative three-year deal. GWS list boss Jason McCartney said Toby has been an incredible part of this football club for 15 years and we will never lose sight of what he has given to the Giants.
While we are disappointed that his journey with us has come to an end, we are also incredibly proud of what he achieved and the role he played in helping build this club. An inaugural player at the club, Toby arrived at the Giants as a teenager and grew into a remarkable leader who not only performed at the highest level but just as importantly, he helped shape the club into what it is today.
Joel Amartey moves to Carlton from Sydney
While again it is difficult to see him go, we respect Toby's decision to return home to Victoria and we thank him for the enormous contribution he made to the club. Earlier, key forward Joel Amartey's switch from Sydney to Carlton was confirmed as the free agency period opened. The first free agency paperwork has dropped, with Carlton making Joel Amartey's move from Sydney official.
The Swans are waiting to hear what compensation they will receive for Amartey, who is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Blues. He is seen as an ideal replacement for Charlie Curnow, who departed for the Swans 12 months ago. The Swans will receive draft compensation for losing the unrestricted 27-year-old. Amartey was an emergency during finals after failing to convince coach Dean Cox following a partial Achilles tear.
Lachie Neale joins Collingwood as free agent
Paperwork will be lodged later on Friday to rubber-stamp Lachie Neale's move to Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent after the Brisbane Lions star added a third premiership medal to his swag of silverware. Collingwood says it looks forward to Lachie Neale joining the club in 2027 after it is announced he is leaving the Brisbane Lions. Melbourne's 2021 premiership vice-captain Jack Viney is poised for a move with two years remaining on his contract after meeting with West Coast.
After being sidelined through injury for all but one game this season, the 32-year-old was told by coach Steven King there would likely be limited opportunities for him in the Demons midfield. Footy's gone that way mate, Viney told 10 News at Perth Airport on Thursday. So took a bit to process early days, but we're here now, so we'll make the best of the opportunity. It will get done.
Calsher Dear retracts move to Melbourne
Young Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear, meanwhile, has opted to stay at the Hawks on a two-year deal after weighing up a potential move to the Dees. The 21-year-old, son of late 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear, burst onto the scene in his debut season with 25 goals from 17 appearances in 2024. But the emerging tall has struggled to hold his spot through injury and internal competition, adding just 14 games in 2025 and 2026.
It seems Melbourne captain Max Gawn's meeting with young Hawk Calsher Dear was not enough to prise him away from Dingley. The Hawks confirmed on Friday morning that the son of 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear would stay in brown and gold. We are very excited about what the future holds for Calsher with a strong pre-season under his belt and greater continuity into 2027 and beyond, Hawks list manager Mark McKenzie said.
Hawthorn's key forward selection squeeze is set to worsen in 2027, with Gold Coast's restricted free agent Ben King expected to join Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol and Dear. Ruckman Kieren Briggs is also on the move to Richmond and Jake Stringer is looking for a fourth club. Heavyweight deals involving restricted free agents Zak Butters and Ben King will dominate the period.
AFL trade period and deadlines outlined
Will Port and Gold Coast match offers from the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, respectively, and force trades? Or will they accept the compensation on offer, which in Port's case is pick five for Butters? Monday is when the actual trade period starts, with all the clubs gathering at Marvel Stadium for negotiations that in some cases will keep bubbling along until deadline day, which is Wednesday, October 14.
The AFL free agency period lasts until next Friday, with the trade period from Monday, October 5 to Wednesday, October 14.
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