Bontempelli and Greene Reach Peace, Thanks to Origin’s Mediation
Recently, Marcus Bontempelli and Toby Greene experienced a surprising shift in their long-standing rivalry. After years of contention, the two AFL stars were spotted sharing a coffee in a Perth cafe.
Bontempelli and Greene’s On-Field History
The relationship between Bontempelli and Greene has been tumultuous, primarily stemming from a notorious incident during the 2019 AFL elimination final. During this match, Greene tugged at Bontempelli’s hair and engaged in other aggressive behavior.
This altercation left a lasting impression, creating bad blood that persisted over the years. Greene faced scrutiny but ultimately avoided penalties, leading to ongoing tension between the players.
Documentary Insights
More insight into their relationship will be revealed in the upcoming docuseries, *Final Siren: Inside the AFL*, premiering on Prime Video. In a preview, Bontempelli characterized Greene as an “antagonist” and acknowledged their history of clashes.
Greene, in response, humorously noted, “I would never have a beer with him,” reflecting their complex dynamic.
New Beginnings Through State of Origin
Despite their rocky past, their time together as teammates for Victoria in the State of Origin has helped mend fences. Bontempelli, who serves as Victoria’s captain, shared that the experience has fostered greater understanding among players.
- Coffee Meeting: Bontempelli mentioned that Greene reached out to him following the docuseries clip to clarify misunderstandings.
- Relationship Development: “Buying him a coffee was probably a sign of how far things have come in our relationship,” Bontempelli stated.
Valuable Experience
Bontempelli emphasized the benefits of the State of Origin experience for players: “It allows you to probably break down some of those walls… throughout the season.” He expressed gratitude for the valuable time spent together, connecting with teammates he previously knew only superficially.
As these two players move forward, their evolving relationship serves as a testament to the power of teamwork and reconciliation within the sport.
