MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Toby Greene of the Giants looks dejected after losing the AFL Semi Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

GWS livewire Toby Greene was reported for striking in the Giants' 16.6. (102) to 9.12. (66) win over Carlton.

Greene provided the highlight of the game with a barrel after the siren in the first term but as has been the case over his career his brilliance was overshadowed by an unnecessary incident in the third quarter.

The Giants were in attack when the umpire blew the whistle for an off-the-ball incident involving Greene and Carlton's Nic Newman.

Replays showed Greene punched Newman in the stomach, briefly winding the Blues defender.

Newman was able to play on, which will aid Greene's case but the week will again revolve around an unnecessary incident when it should centre around his best on ground display.

The 27-year-old kicked four goals and collected 20 disposals in GWS' sixth win of the season, which puts them on the precipice of the top eight.

The Giants have a challenging month ahead with games against Hawthorn, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney which they need to win to have any chance of playing finals this year.

However, their task will only become tougher if they are without Greene over the stretch.