Greater Western Sydney Giants rising star Toby Greene has avoided a conviction for his role in a Melbourne bar fight earlier this year.
Greene copped a $2500 fine after pleading guilty to a charge of unlawful assault, but managed to avoid conviction following an altercation that saw Greene punch a Melbourne bouncer twice.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told the then 20-year-old and a friend were denied service for being too drunk during a May night out at Caulfield hotel Zagames before a scuffle broke out with security. One staff member was left with lacerations to his hands, a broken finger and soreness to his head and neck and told the court that nightmares and counselling weren’t the only lasting effects of the night.
“Maybe one more punch, or one more kick to the head, I could have been dead,” crowd controller Terrence Payne said Tuesday.
The Giants suspended Greene for five matches and issued a $5000 fine following news of the incident in May. Greene’s lawyer Bernie Balmer told the court that the club-imposed suspension had also potentially cost the former No.11 overall pick a $50,000 bonus after he fell out of contention for GWS best and fairest honours.
“I accept the penalty handed down by the court today and I am very sorry for the distress my actions have caused,” Greene said.
“I also accepted the five-match suspension and $5000 fine imposed by the club’s board on the recommendation of the leadership group in May.
“I acknowledge that I let myself, family, friends and teammates down. I have learned a lot about my responsibilities as a citizen and to my club.
“I now look forward to returning to training and continuing to make a contribution to the club and the community both on and off the field.”
The third-year midfielder is coming off a career year with the Giants in which he averaged 28 touches and five marks a game in 15 contests.
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images.
