Kane Cornes defends GWS Giants star Toby Greene's controversial marking technique

AFL legend Kane Cornes has come to GWS Giants star Toby Greene’s defence after he was criticised for his controversial fly-kick.

Greene starred on his return to the Giants lineup with 27 disposals and three goals against the Sydney Swans, but incited the ire of AFL fans who pointed out his dangerous marking style.

However, speaking on the AFL Sunday Footy Show, Cornes stated that he saw no problem with Greene’s technique.

“There’s nothing wrong with what Toby Greene did,” Cornes said.

“This is inside the rules, you’re allowed to do that.

“You’re allowed to keep your eyes on the ball (and) protect yourself with your knee or your foot. The outrage over this is far over the top.”

Cornes laid the blame at the hands of the players involved in the marking contests with Greene, rather than the Giants star himself.

“I think there’s accidents that happen in the game,” he said.

“You need to have a duty of care when you’re running in, to allow a player to protect themselves.”

Cornes’ contention was not supported by former Essendon star Matthew Lloyd, who stated that actions like Greene’s at the weekend need to be removed from the game.

“We can’t have this in our game,” Lloyd said.

“You can’t get your knee that high, but I think you can put your foot in a second motion up like that and we are waiting for someone to lose their eyesight.

“Who knows what could happen to a player if we continue on like that.

“You shouldn’t have to expect a foot coming into your face. I think if we allow for that, we are asking for serious trouble in our game.”