GWS CEO Dave Matthews confident Giants will get the best out of new recruit Clayton Oliver

From premiership hero to unwanted star — Giants boss David Matthews explains why GWS will be able to transform former Demon Clayton Oliver back to his best.

Giants CEO David Matthews is confident a career “reset” in Sydney will be the catalyst for Clayton Oliver to return to his best form under Adam Kingsley.

Oliver joined the Giants this trade period after being told to explore his options by the Demons.

The 28-year-old played 205 games for Melbourne across 10 seasons, including his significant contributions through the midfield as part of their 2021 premiership campaign.

However, following a string of off-field behavioural and mental health issues, the Dees wanted to move the three-time All-Australian on at the end of this season. That is despite still having five years to run on his contract and playing 22 games for them in 2025.

The Giants swooped on Melbourne’s willingness to part with Clayton Oliver. Picture: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Giants are set to be the beneficiaries as they back their ability to turn Oliver’s trajectory around. While there is a clear financial advantage given Melbourne is chipping in up to $700,000 a season of his contract, the club is also hopeful he will join a growing list of players reviving their careers in the orange and charcoal.

“He’s been one of the outstanding players of his generation,” Matthews said.

“When Melbourne won the premiership, he was in the top couple of midfielders in the competition.

“From time to time, many young people run into headwinds, and there’s probably a requirement there for a fresh start from both parties. So, we welcome him with open arms.

“We’ll do what we’ve done with other players, and I think that’s been something he’s been able to sit back and observe. He knows we’ve got an incredible welfare structure and that Sydney’s a great spot to be.”

Oliver has already created a few headlines since his trade to the Giants on the back of his social media use, with Kane Cornes suggesting the Giants might have “buyer’s remorse”.

Matthews didn’t comment specifically on Oliver’s social posts, but couldn’t hide his enthusiasm on Friday that the Giants were able to attract a player of his calibre. He also stated the club will do whatever it takes to help him get back to his best.

“I think he’ll reset and hopefully be the player that we all admired,” Matthews said.

Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer are two players who have spoken openly about how moving to Sydney has brought the best out of them. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Even towards the back end of the year, his last month with Melbourne was outstanding. But we know what he’s capable of, and we’ll do everything we can to help him deliver on that.”

While the Giants have previously had a reputation of struggling to retain players with the ‘go-home’ factor to Melbourne, over the past 12 months, they have arguably had the most successful recruitment period in the club’s history.

Jacob Wehr was the only player to move after Leek Aleer’s move to St Kilda fell through.

The Giants currently have 10 players on their list signed on to 2029 or later, and as they increasingly become a destination club for those wanting out of the Melbourne footy bubble, it’s a future Matthews is excited for.

“Ultimately, if you’re an elite AFL athlete, then Sydney’s a great place to play,” Matthews said.

The Giants’ dominant recruitment strategy has not only seen unprecedented re-signings, but has also seen them become a destination club. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It’s more than the trade period; it’s the work done over the course of the year where we extended so many of our young players.

“Our track record over 13, 14 years has been that most players aren’t looking to leave unless they’re lacking opportunity or being given over-the-odds offers. The only player in my time that you really regret was at the end of Covid when we lost Jeremy Cameron. Other players, I understand the career decision for a player like Harry Perryman with a significant offer. It’s never been a case of people wanting to leave the club.

“But his year has been hallmarked by extensions to Finn Callaghan, Darcy Jones, Aaron Cadman, and Connor Idun. There’s a whole list of them. It’s a great show of faith, not just in our footy strategy. It tells people this is a really strong club. We’ve got a great culture. They’ve got confidence in their coach, Adam Kingsley, as we do.”

Originally published as GWS CEO Dave Matthews confident Giants will get the best out of new recruit Clayton Oliver