GREATER Western Sydney captain Toby Greene has revealed he's spoken directly to departing Port Adelaide star Zak Butters about the possibility of linking up at Geelong next season.
The Cats are firmly in the mix for both Greene and Butters, who has told the Power he wants to continue his career in his native Victoria.
Greene, the greatest player in the Giants' 15-year history, is considering making the same move so he has more support for his young family.
The 32-year-old recently met with the Cats to discuss what looms as the toughest decision of his decorated career.
"I've had a busy week and there's a fair bit of thinking coming up. I'm wrestling with the decision," Greene said on Friday.
"It's something I have to work out with the family. The factor of coming home to Vic is family. If we want to have more kids that makes life easier.
"I love the Giants. I put all my time and effort in there for 15 years (and) that’s what I wrestle with at the moment.
"With Geelong, I've had an open discussion. I told them what I think about and what I wrestle with and they then explained what it would look like for me.
"Geelong would be a lot less travel and more time for family. They discussed aspects of the role and how it would look in the team."
A restricted free agent, three-time Port club champion Butters has attracted strong interest from Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.
"I asked (Geelong about Butters). It's important," Greene said.
"I spoke to Zak as well and it's something I will do again in the next few days. He adds a bit of weight to that decision.
"I wanted to see where his head was at (and) the things he values highly in his decision. That's what I asked him."
Greene and Butters loom as two of the biggest names that will shape the AFL trade and free agency periods, which start in October.
Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale is poised to leave Brisbane and Zach Merrett is widely expected to again demand a trade away from Essendon, while key forward Ben King is set to leave Gold Coast.
