“Signs of age rust”: Brereton's worry about GWS skipper Toby Greene

Dermott Brereton has gone hard on Toby Greene, declaring his belief that the former All-Australian captain is beginning to feel his age.

The 30-year-old small forward failed to have his usual impact in the Giants’ heartbreaking six-point Qualifying Final loss to the Swans, managing just 12 disposals and two behinds.

Brereton recalls watching Greene attack a contest and felt as though the star was becoming limited in his flexibility, labelling the attempted attack on the footy as a sign of age.

“Toby Greene to me is showing the first signs of age rust,” Brereton told SEN Dwayne’s World.

“There was a time last week in the second quarter, on the camera side of the ground, the old stand side, he worked (Dane) Rampe under the footy and the ball rolled end over end on the half forward flank back towards goal, and he had first dibs on it, two metres away from Rampe, and he ran over the top of it.

“Toby two years ago would have taken that ball in one go below his knees, run a little chicane type swerve and snapped at goal.

“He ran over the top of it and I just thought he’s lost a bit of flexibility there.

“I don’t think it would be team demand, but he’s not the aerial threat he used to be.

“His prowess, and he is still Toby Greene, his football IQ is through the roof so he might still have some moments in this finals series where we just go’ wow how good is that’.

“He’s just showing those first signs of rust due to age, so I’d love to see (the Giants) fight while his iron is still in the fire.”

Greene will look to disprove Brereton’s call this Saturday night as the Giants host the Lions in a Semi-Final.