Arabic version: فونتي يقول إن غرين تخلّى عن جاينتس من أجل جيلونغ

According to ABC News, GWS defender Joe Fonti said former captain Toby Greene “abandoned” the Giants by leaving as a free agent to join Geelong. Greene, described as the club’s greatest player in its 15-year history, moved to Victoria in search of more family support for his young family.

Fonti said Greene was “a great, great fella” who would have had his reasons for departing, but said the move was difficult for the club. “It’s obviously hard when your captain abandons your side,” Fonti said on Monday. He added that the decision “does sting a little bit,” while saying the Giants would move on.

Greene is among several experienced GWS players to leave during the summer. Veteran forwards Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer have joined Collingwood and St Kilda respectively, while defender Lachie Whitfield has gone to Carlton and Kieren Briggs to Richmond. The Giants have lost 1,088 games of experience during the trade period.

GWS has not yet named Greene’s successor as captain. Midfielder Tom Green, who is due to come off contract at the end of next season, rejected big money from Tasmania and added two years to his Giants deal. Green missed all of last season with an ACL tear and is considered a contender, along with defender Connor Idun, who served as a vice-captain last season.

Fonti said Green’s commitment was special and called him one of the club’s best leaders, a strong speaker and role model. The 44-game defender, who has played three seasons, is looking to take Whitfield’s place in defence and said GWS’s young core was ready to respond despite outside suggestions the team could struggle.