AFL free agency moves: Toby Greene joins Geelong, Joel Amartey to Carlton

Consensus Summary

Toby Greene has officially joined the Geelong Cats as an unrestricted free agent, ending his 15-season tenure with the GWS Giants. The move was confirmed as the AFL free agency period opened on Friday morning, with Greene signing a three-year deal. In return, the Giants will receive a second-round draft pick, currently slated at number 26. Greene’s decision to return to Victoria was driven by family reasons and a desire to reunite with former teammate Jeremy Cameron. Meanwhile, Joel Amartey, a key forward for the Sydney Swans, has also made a high-profile move, joining Carlton on a five-year deal. The Swans will receive a second-round draft pick as compensation, though their first pick in this year’s draft is currently number 35, following a trade last year.

Greene’s departure marks the first major domino to fall in the AFL free agency period, which runs until next Friday. The trade period officially begins on Monday, October 5, and concludes on Wednesday, October 14. Greene’s legacy at GWS is unparalleled, having played 282 games and kicked 450 goals, while also serving as captain from 2022 through to the end of 2026. His move to Geelong is seen as a significant boost for the Cats, who have welcomed him as an experienced leader. Amartey’s transition to Carlton follows a season marred by injury, with his best performance coming in 2024 when he played 25 games and scored 43 goals. However, his form has declined in recent years, with only 15 games and 28 goals in 2026.

Key figures in the story have emphasized the importance of Greene’s arrival. Geelong’s footy manager, Andrew Mackie, praised Greene’s experience and ability to elevate those around him, noting his competitiveness and leadership qualities. Amartey, for his part, expressed excitement about joining Carlton, citing the club’s momentum and the quality of its people. He also highlighted the welcoming environment and the opportunity to contribute both on and off the field. The Blues have welcomed Amartey as an experienced and dynamic addition to their forward line, with coach Chris Davies noting his potential to complement Harry McKay.

While both outlets agree on the core details of Greene’s and Amartey’s moves, there are discrepancies in certain aspects of their reporting. ABC describes Greene as a 33-year-old, whereas 7NEWS states he is 27 years old, a significant inconsistency that requires clarification. Additionally, ABC notes that Greene’s captaincy ended in 2026, while 7NEWS implies he remained captain until the end of that year. The outlets also differ in their descriptions of Greene’s contract length, with ABC specifying a three-year deal and 7NEWS focusing more on his move to Geelong without detailing the term. These inconsistencies highlight the need for further verification on specific biographical details.

Looking ahead, the AFL free agency period is expected to bring more high-profile moves as teams scramble to strengthen their squads. The trade period, set to begin on October 5, will see clubs finalize deals and negotiate draft picks. For Greene, the focus will now shift to his transition into the Cats’ lineup, where he will aim to replicate his success at GWS. Amartey, meanwhile, will look to rebuild his form at Carlton, where he hopes to contribute significantly to the Blues’ forward line. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these moves impact the competitive balance of the AFL.