GEELONG is looking forward to helping Toby Greene "write the next chapter of his career" after the Greater Western Sydney captain confirmed he would join the Cats.

Greene, who has been at the Giants since their foundation season in 2012, wants to go back to Victoria for family reasons.

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The superstar had spoken throughout this year about facing an agonising call on his future.

An unrestricted free agent, Greene can join the Cats when free agency opens on October 2.

"We are really excited Toby wants to join the Geelong Football Club," Geelong executive general manager of football Andrew Mackie said.

"We know this was a significant decision for Toby and his family, and we recognise what the Giants have meant to him and respect the contribution he has made to their club. 

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"We are looking forward to helping Toby write the next chapter of his career at the Cats."

In an extraordinary way to announce the decision, outgoing GWS boss Dave Matthews confirmed Greene's intentions on radio.

"This morning he has decided that he and Georgia are looking to move back to Victoria for family reasons with the intention of joining Geelong," Giants CEO Dave Matthews told SEN.

"That's the decision he has made and we certainly respect that. He's been a celebrated figure at our club, a very important person and I know this has been a really tough decision.

"We've been working together since the day of the draft in November 2011. It's been a long journey.

Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan celebrate a goal for the Giants in 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

"We talked about that we're really proud about where the club has got to. The regret that he and I have had, as we both leave the club, is we haven't been able to secure that premiership.

"Outside of that, he has been an enormous figure for our club and done everything possible, not just for the Giants, but for the AFL as well to grow this club and grow our presence.

"I've got nothing but respect for him and we'll celebrate him properly. Obviously you'd love him to be a one-club player and you'd love see circumstances that supported that. But we understand the decision he’s made.

Toby Greene in action during Greater Western Sydney's clash against the Western Bulldogs in round one, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

"I think it is a significant offer and it should be too.

"Toby will always be a Giant. His connection to the fans is very authentic. There is certainly some sadness ... there will be some disappointment."

Greene has kicked 450 goals in 282 games for GWS, but will finish his career with former Giants teammate Jeremy Cameron in Geelong.

The 32-year-old has been offered a lucrative three-year deal to join the Cats.