Rivals On-Field, Partners Off It: Greene and Heeney on the Sydney Derby

Ahead of Friday night's clash at the SCG, Greater Western Sydney Giants captain Toby Greene and Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney have spoken about their unique relationship, balancing a fierce on-field rivalry with a shared off-field business venture, 5th Quarter Camps.

The two participated in a children's football camp in Sydney this week, but will be direct opponents when their teams meet in the Sydney Derby.

The Nature of the Rivalry

Both players described the Sydney Derby as a significant fixture in the AFL calendar.

Toby Greene characterized it as one of the "strongest rivalries in the game."

Isaac Heeney noted that matches are "always emotionally driven" and that "both teams will want to be throwing the first punch," clarifying he was speaking metaphorically about gaining an early competitive advantage.

While they are friends off the field, and Greene is also friends with other Swans personnel, both agreed the atmosphere during the game is "certainly heated."

Reflecting on Past Encounters

The players referenced specific incidents from previous derbies.

In a past encounter, Toby Greene received a one-match suspension for striking Isaac Heeney. Regarding that incident, Greene stated:

"I was probably too heated... I got myself in trouble and did some silly things. So, I won't be trying to do that this year."

In their most recent derby, the Giants overcame a 35-point second-quarter deficit to win, with Heeney crediting Greene's influence as a key factor. That same match also featured a notable verbal exchange between Greene and Swans player Tom Papley.

A Shift in Focus

When asked about his approach to the upcoming match and potential confrontations, Greene indicated a change in mindset.

He stated he does not enter games anticipating confrontations, saying it is "rarer these days for me." His current focus is on his midfield role and "getting that job done."

A Shared Mission: 5th Quarter Camps

Away from the field, Greene and Heeney are business partners who co-founded 5th Quarter Camps, a program that runs participation camps for children.

Both players emphasized a shared goal of expanding Australian rules football in Sydney and New South Wales. Greene acknowledged particular challenges in Western Sydney, describing growth as a "long-term plan" and a "generational thing," noting the COVID-19 pandemic affected efforts.

Greene expressed a desire for Australian rules football to be "the biggest game in the country."

Heeney, who grew up in Newcastle, recalled a lack of playing opportunities in his youth, including a time when his club could not field a team. He stated this experience directly motivates their camp work, which aims to "give children an opportunity" to play and "bring everyone together and show them how exciting the game is."