Although he was not as tall as other ruckmen, Green was an effective knock ruckman during his career and also spent some time as a defender.
He played in Essendon's losing 1941 Grand Final team and left the club in 1944 due to Naval commitments.
Stationed in Canberra, Green captained the Navy side which competed in the CANFL and led them to the 1944 premiership. He continued playing in 1945 and won a Mulrooney Medal as the league's 'Best and fairest' player.
Green returned to Essendon in 1946 before crossing to St Kilda the following season. He celebrated his 100th VFL game with a five-point win over Fitzroy in 1950. Green captained St Kilda from 1949 to 1950 and was their playing coach in 1951.