Clayton Oliver’s Rise to Prominence
Clayton Oliver, a new recruit for the GWS Giants, has made a significant impact on his teammates by evolving into a more well-rounded player. As he prepares for his first match against his former club, Melbourne, Oliver is in excellent form. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, with a season-high 38 disposals followed by a game-high 37 touches in the Giants’ dominant 78-point victory over the defending premiers, Brisbane.
This win propelled GWS to a record of 5-6 and boosted their confidence as they head into the round-12 clash against the Demons in Alice Springs. The Giants set a new team record with a score of 166 points, achieved the most points in a quarter, and even set an AFL/VFL all-time third-quarter record of 86 points.
Oliver’s Impact on the Field
Oliver, who was traded to the Giants late last year, played a crucial role in the first half when the game was closely contested. He averages 31.7 disposals per game, ranking fourth in the competition. However, his contributions extend beyond just being a prolific ball winner.
Lachie Ash, a star player for the Giants, praised Oliver’s defensive work, which has significantly improved. “He’s really good at winning clearances and hunting the footy,” Ash said. “But there are other aspects of his game that don’t get much attention, like his defensive work. His ability to cover for others when it’s their turn is something I’ve been really impressed with.”
Ash also highlighted Oliver’s growing versatility, noting that he is becoming a more rounded player. “He’s just getting better and better with that and playing really good footy, adding that to his game,” Ash added.
Role Players Step Up
Despite the standout performances from key players like Ash, who recorded a game-high 773 metres gained against the Lions, the Giants’ impressive win was not solely due to their superstars. Ash acknowledged the efforts of role players who often go unnoticed. “A lot of our role players, who probably don’t get their time in the sun as much as others, really stood up,” he said.
Ash also commended Harry Himmelberg, Jayden Laverde, and Connor Idun for their contributions after fellow defenders Lachie Whitfield and Jack Buckley were sidelined due to hamstring issues. This support from the squad has been vital for the team’s success.
A New Season Begins
Ash expressed confidence that the stunning win could be the start of a mid-to-late season run, a trend that has characterized coach Adam Kingsley’s previous campaigns. In 2023, the Giants started with a 3-7 record but went on to win 12 of their next 15 games. In 2024, they surged to 5-1, then dropped to 8-7 before a seven-game winning streak. Although they faced heartbreak in the finals, the team’s resilience remains strong.
The 2025 campaign began with a 7-6 record, and a win over the Lions marked the start of a six-game winning streak and nine wins out of ten. “We’re one and none (after Sunday’s win), I guess we start our season now and we really can build into the back half of the year,” Ash said.
He also mentioned that the return of some players would be beneficial for the team. Coach Kingsley confirmed that key defender Sam Taylor might be available for his first game of the season, which could further strengthen the Giants’ lineup.
