Toby Greene's mum reveals family tragedy that rocked GWS Giants star

Toby Greene's family have revealed details of a personal tragedy he has been dealing with as he helped lead GWS Giants through the back-end of the season to their first ever grand final appearance.

Greene has been serving a one-game suspension this past week, forced to watch from the sidelines as GWS defeated Collingwood in a tense arm-wrestle.

His ban was due to making contact to the face of an opposition player two games ago, but his frequent visits to the AFL match review panel have made him a controversial figure in the league.

Now he is set to rejoin his teammates for the 2019 AFL grand final, where GWS will aim to win their first flag, and stop Richmond from winning their second title in the last three years.

As polarising as Greene may be, a family member told 3AW that he has been going through some tough times throughout the finals campaign after the death of his cousin.

On 3AW, Greene's mother Kate said Toby's cousin Finley committed suicide earlier this year in June.

"As you can imagine, it was devastating for our family," Kate told 3AW.

"I had to ring up Toby in Sydney and tell him what happened and he just drove straight to the airport in his shorts and thongs and jumped on the first plane to come home. Since that, we're just picking up the pieces.

"My three boys and my sister's two boys have grown up together, they're a very close family and now one of them isn't going to be there on Saturday."

Greene posted a tribute to his cousin on Instagram recently.

"Your vibrance and kindness will be sorely missed in our family," Greene wrote.

"I urge anyone out their who is or knows anyone struggling with what life throws up to please talk to that one person you know you can confide in."

Greene's mother said if the Giants win the grand final against Richmond, the win will be especially meaningful for the GWS star.

"If they get the win Toby would like to dedicate his game to Finley," Kate said.

"To my sister and to her other son, and her husband John, it will mean the world.

"I hope for Finley's sake the Giants get the win."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467