Russell Greene played 304 games for St Kilda and Hawthorn. He won the 1984 AFL Players’ Association MVP award, was All Australian a year later, and a key part of three famous premierships.

It was a magnificent career that most can only dream about.

“I would give back all 300 games and all the premierships just to play one more game.”  – Russell Greene

But when it was over, he struggled to cope. The adrenaline of playing footy for his beloved Hawks every Saturday was gone. It could not be replaced.

“I would give back all 300 games and all the premierships just to play one more game,” he said years later.

This week football tragic John Harms caught up with Greene to talk footy, family, and friendship.

Greene’s is an emotional and entertaining tale which he told with great enthusiasm and passion. He discussed his love of the “beautiful” Allan Jeans, his first coach at the Saints and the man who had a lasting impact on his life.

He touched on playing alongside Dermie, Dipper and Lethal during the great days as a Hawk.

He spoke openly of his eldest son Steven’s AFL career and the pressure of trying to make it in the big time.

Greene also told aflplayers.com.au of his greatest regret in life – how he carelessly used homophobic language during his time as a star of the VFL.

Greene’s youngest son, Brent, is gay.

“There was no one worse than a bloke growing up in the 1960s. It was just ‘faggot, poof, you homo’.

“There was no real thought about it. You didn’t realise the people you were hurting.

“The more we can get the message out there (that this language isn’t acceptable), the better.

“The damage we must have done to some boy, girl, transgender person must have been shocking and that’s one of my biggest regrets.”