Green set to follow in footsteps of his Grandfather

The Green clan might need to add a few more shelves to what must already be an impressive trophy cabinet, as Tom Green gears up to be the next family member to enter the AFL world.

At just 18-years-old Green has already fashioned himself an impressive footballing resume.

The sharp-skilled midfielder has represented the GWS Academy, the Allies Squad and Australia, finding himself a consistent inclusion on the GIANTS NEAFL list in 2019.

Tom is the eldest Green sibling in the family, but certainly not the only athlete. His younger brother, Josh, is also in the GIANTS Academy and the pair will look to emulate the success of their famous grandfather, Richmond and AFL legend, Michael Green.

The Marist College junior will find out if his vision to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and play AFL football will come true when the NAB AFL Draft takes place on Wednesday night.

Until then he is tasked with the modern-day pressure of being an AFL draft prospect, all whilst trying to be a normal teenager.

“I struggled to balance everything mainly at the beginning of last year as I was completing Year 12 while trying to play high-level football every weekend,” said Green.

“Finding time to complete all school work as well as recover, review and prepare for games each week took some getting used to, but I got better as the year went on and learnt how important good time management is.

“As for trying to be a normal teenager, I still feel like I am, in all honesty, with some minor changes.

“I hang out with my mates as much as I can between training, travelling for games and Uni work because it helps me unwind.

“You can get caught up in worrying about yourself and what may happen in the draft, but I find spending time with my mates allows me to mess around as any teenager would.”

Touted as a possible first-round pick, Green has been under pressure to produce AFL calibre football since he was 16, and added to that pressure is the fact that he is the grandson of a Richmond legend.

Yet, Green believes his footballing family tree is an asset, rather than a pressure valve.

“I actually see myself as very fortunate to have a connection like that and if anything has made things slightly easier,” he said.

“Having such a wealth of knowledge at my disposal, as well as the connections my Grandfather still has at Richmond, has greatly helped me and I am very blessed to have such a luxury.

“While the game has changed a great deal since he last played, there are universal truths to football that he can help me with and that I admire in his game and try to emulate.”

Not only has his Grandfather had a profound impact on his football aspirations, Green says he’s played a more significant role in shaping the person he is off the field.

“My Grandfather is one of my biggest role models away from football, more so than maybe anybody else.

“I look at him and think that is the way I would like to be when I’m his age.

“The love he shows for his family and friends, his intelligence, his compassion and his wholehearted good nature are attributes I admire greatly.”

Green was predominantly based in Canberra this season, training and playing with the GIANTS Academy, while also representing the Allies in the Under 18 National Carnival and the GIANTS in the NEAFL, highlighting the significant impact the GIANTS have had in his development.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the GIANTS program and what it’s done for my development,” he said.

“The insight of all the coaches is phenomenal, it has a very distinct pathway to where you want to go, it’s really encouraging and motivating.

“The extra training sessions every week meant that I was always improving, and still am.”

Showcasing maturity beyond his years, Tom Green is a young man destined for greatness and we wish him the very best in the pursuit of his AFL dream.

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