Western Sydney Giants coach Adam Kingsley backs star forward to find form following difficult start to the season

GWS captain Toby Greene has been in indifferent form lately. Coach Adam Kingsley, however, expects him to bounce back soon.

Coach Kingsley believes that the impact of Greene's presence on the team is being overlooked by critics and backs his star forward, saying that he believes he would return to his best form in the near future. He told reporters ahead of the Giants home clash with the Western Bulldogs:

"He's still having an enormous impact for us. The simple reality is he's not walking away with three or four goals every week, so maybe his impact gets glossed over, but I'm sure that finish will return pretty quickly.

"One thing with a key forward is you can sort of be off your game but it can turn really quickly and we're hoping today (Saturday) is the day."

The 30-year-old star has kicked a mere 11 goals in eight games this season, which is his lowest scoring rate since 2015. His output, no doubt, has been underwhelming after an impressive season last year.

Coach Kingsley insists that the Giants measure individual contributions beyond scoreboard readings. He agrees with critics in the fact that Greene's performance lately is shabby when compared to last season’s All-Australian captain winning form. The coach conceded:

"His finishing, he's not quite getting that done, and perhaps his contest is a little down. In terms of one-on-one contests he's normally a little bit better, but that will come, I'm really confident in that.

"What we can't overlook is the fact he still ranks 'elite' for possessions for his position, inside-50s, ground balls, marks, score assists and score involvements."

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GWS coach Kingsley commends forward Jesse Hogan

AFL Rd 9 - Essendon v GWS

GWS forward Jesse Hogan has kept goal umpires on their feet in recent times. Currently at his third AFL club, the 29-year-old played his 150th AFL game this week in Round 10 of the 2024 season, against the Western Bulldogs.

Hogan seems to have found a home with the Giants after stints at Melbourne and Fremantle, irrespective of a turbulent start riddled with injuries and illnesses. He kicked a career-best 49 goals in the 2023 season and is on the way to exceeding that mark this season, as he remains in the race for the Coleman Medal race with 26 majors in nine games.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley, assessing his form and impact on the team overall, told reporters:

"His start to the season has been really good for us. He provides a big target on the field for us, a reliable target. But off the field he's equally important, particularly to our young key forwards… Jake Riccardi, Aaron Cadman, Max Gruzewski.

"They're young keys who are still finding their way and learning their craft and Jesse's certainly one who's experienced but also very knowledgeable in the details and the intricacies of being a key forward. His ability to pass on that knowledge has been invaluable so far and I'm sure he'll continue to do that."