GWS Giants midfielder Tom Green has opened up on how his father, a retired helicopter pilot in the Australian army, has inspired him on the football field.
Green, a Canberra local, notched up 37 disposals, seven clearances and a goal in the Giants 54-point smashing of last year’s grand finalists, Brisbane, at Manuka Oval.
It leaves the Giants 6-1 after seven rounds, while the Lions continue to flounder with a 2-6 record.
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As an army kid, Green lived in Townsville, Toowoomba, Darwin, Melbourne and Tamworth before his family settled in Canberra when he was 11, where he then spent much of his teens carving out a footy career.
Green’s father was in attendance at the match, perched up in the ‘Tom Green fan club’, that was assembled in honour of his family and hometown.
“My dad is here. I hope he enjoyed the night. I’m sure he’ll have some work-ons for me, no doubt,” Green said on Seven post match.
The 23-year-old explained what it was like growing up with his father constantly on the move.
“It brings you really tightly together as a family group, you’re sort of moving every two years. It develops your social skills, you’ve got to make friends every two years, so it’s put me in good stead since then,” Green told Fox Footy post win.
“It is a really significant day for myself, but for all of us as Australians and it’s a fantastic occassion. We’re really privileged here at the Giants to play on Anzac Day.”
On top of Green’s stellar performance, Finn Callaghan collected 32 disposals and Jake Riccardi booted three.
Meantime, the Lions will need to go back to the drawing board after a second consecutive loss.
“Our sharpness to defend, which has been one of our strengths this year, wasn’t where it should have been tonight,” Fagan said post match.
“We just didn’t work as hard as they did. I have no excuses.”
However, Fagan says he is not looking to abandon his side despite the miserable start.
“One thing I do know .. that this group has been so good for the last five years,” he said.
“I admire them and respect them for the efforts they’ve been able to put in for the past five seasons.
“I’m in it with in, the way forward is together. I’ve got to help those boys find that confident and connection again.”
