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Why Oliver is excited to play for the Giants
Nicholas Quinlan • December 13th, 2025 6:36 pm
Clayton Oliver has opened up on his move to the GWS Giants, admitting that he is excited to be a part of the club as they look to win their maiden premiership.
The three-time All-Australian was traded to the expansion club for a future third-round pick after spending 10 years with the Melbourne Demons.
During that time, he played an integral role in helping the side break its 57-year premiership drought, having formed a dynamic midfield group alongside Christian Petracca, Max Gawn and Jack Viney.
But following that success, Oliver has had problems with the Demons, with various injuries and off-field incidents which saw his name floated as a potential trade option in multiple trade periods.
Speaking with Code Sports, the 28-year-old admitted that he had struggled towards the end of his tenure with the side that drafted him, resulting in him losing some purpose.
He also noted that, in hindsight, a move away from the Demons was probably the right thing in the end.
“I’d been at the club for 10 years and probably wasn’t the most well-behaved person in the world,” Oliver said.
“I was up and down there for a bit, and everyone has their own little battles.
“It was a couple of years where I wasn’t too great, and I honestly didn’t think (a move) was the best thing for me at the time. But now looking back on it, it probably was.
“I loved game day, I loved training and all that. I don’t know what happened, really. It was a bit up and down, losing a bit of purpose in life and footy. I got injured in ‘23, and s--- hit the fan, pretty much.”
Having now moved interstate, the two-time AFLCA Player of the Year has begun pre-season training with the Giants as he looks to get back to the peak of his powers that he displayed with Melbourne.
And already, he has set his ambition high on what he wants to achieve with the club.
“I’m only 28, and I don’t want to put too much expectation on it, but I want to come here and win a flag, to be honest,” he explained.
“I won a flag in ‘21, and it was the best thing. Until you’ve won one, you don’t know what it’s like.
“Winning one with the Dees was the best feeling ever, and that’s why I chose the Giants. I was excited they wanted me, and was trying to think where I’d fit in the team because they’ve got a handy list and have been up the top of the table.
“I’m just excited to be a part of what the Giants can build.”
The Giants’ 2026 campaign gets underway in Opening Round when they host the Hawthorn Hawks at ENGIE Stadium.
Photo Credit: GWS Giants' Instagram account
