Clayton Oliver meets with GWS after being told by Dees to find a new home

The Giants brought out the big guns for Friday’s boat meeting with Clayton Oliver on Sydney Harbour – and Jake Stringer’s journey could be the key to the club’s pitch. Here’s the latest.

Demons midfielder Clayton Oliver has met with Giants coach Adam Kingsley, head of footy Jason McCartney, club CEO David Matthews and several star GWS players as he weighs up a move to the Harbour City.

Oliver was spotted on a boat on Sydney Harbour on Friday after being told 24 hours earlier by Melbourne he was free to explore his trade options this off-season.

Midfield stars Tom Green and Finn Callaghan — who finished first and second, respectively, in the club’s Kevin Sheedy Medal — were at the meeting. Lachie Ash was also pictured chatting with Oliver, after his career best season and selection in the 44-man All-Australian squad.

Former Bomber Jake Stringer was also on the boat. The 31-year-old has felt a new lease on life since moving out of the Melbourne bubble, and it’s thought he could help convince Oliver that a similar shift would be the best thing for his football.

Clayton Oliver on a boat on Sydney Harbour with GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley and players Lachie Ash and Finn Callaghan. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The development highlights just how interested the Giants are in getting Oliver to the club next season.

The 28-year-old has five years left to run on a lucrative deal with the Dees, and his current club would be willing to pay a significant proportion of his contract to help aid a move.

The premiership-winner and three-time All-Australian landed in Sydney on Thursday afternoon ahead of a holiday in America, and by Friday afternoon had already met with the Giants’ hierarchy.

GWS was set for a quiet trade period with 38 players already locked in for 2026 and beyond, but given the potential cut-price nature of a deal for Oliver, they have become interested in making him a Giant.

Green and Callaghan are clearly the Giants’ two first-choice midfielders that Kingsley will build his team around. But the fact they are being used to try and persuade him to move to Sydney suggests the Giants believe Oliver could have a big role to play in their midfield.

GWS brought plenty of big guns to the meeting. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Giants would be taking on a hefty contract if they pursue Oliver. Picture: Phil Hillyard

With star Giant Josh Kelly potentially out for the year with a hip injury, Oliver could be a perfect midfield replacement.

The ball magnet was keen to play on at Melbourne under King and had hoped to return to his best football but it has emerged he would likely be shifted out of his trademark inside midfielder role under the new coach and could be set for long VFL stints.

Oliver responded to the news on Thursday morning, posting an Instagram story of a photo of him playing for Melbourne’s VFL side Casey with the caption “actually doesn’t look too bad on me”, inferring the Casey jumper suits him.

Despite reports the meeting between the two parties lasted less than 15 minutes and left Oliver shattered, Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said it was an “honest and respectful” chat.

“Today was a good chance to sit down with Clayton and share how Steven and the coaches see the game being played, and where the opportunities lie for him,” Lamb said.

“We were upfront with Clayton around the role he is likely to play next season and the need for him to develop his craft beyond the midfield to have his biggest impact within the team.

“It was honest and respectful, and Clayton is now clear on what we see his role being next year, and how we think he can best contribute.

“Clayton is contracted for another five years. If he wants to explore his options in the upcoming AFL Trade Period, we will respect that.

“Should he remain in the red and blue, we will of course continue to support and embrace him as part of our club.”

Clayton Oliver's post on Instagram

Oliver explored a move to Geelong last off-season but a deal was not done as the Dees dug their heels in to keep both him and premiership teammate Christian Petracca.

Oliver was also on the trade table in 2023 only for a meeting with then-coach Simon Goodwin halting any movement.

Adelaide held interest in 2023 and has a clear need for midfield talent.

After missing out on Petracca – the 29-year-old picking Gold Coast as his new home on Friday – Crows officials will hold more talks about Oliver and St Kilda captain Jack Steele.

Melbourne great David Schwarz said it was his “gut feel” Oliver would move clubs but the Demons would “have to pay a fair chunk of his salary”.

“He’s just on too much money for the output he is delivering,” Schwarz told 3AW.

Oliver played 22 games in 2025 but struggled to have the same impact as he did at his peak, when he was seen as one of the best midfielders in the game.

He has played 205 matches with Melbourne, winning the club best-and-fairest awards in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022 and earning three All-Australian nods.

Originally published as Clayton Oliver meets with GWS after being told by Dees to find a new home