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The best team in the finals, according to Oliver
Andrew Slevison • September 4th, 2025 4:00 pm
Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has named the team he believes is the strongest in this year’s AFL finals series.
The Demons star is siding with the Adelaide Crows who commence their finals campaign against Collingwood in the Qualifying Final on Thursday night.
Oliver has seen first-hand what fitness guru Darren Burgess can do with a group of players which gives him even more confidence in the Crows.
“Adelaide are a pretty handy side,” Oliver said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
“They’ve got Darren Burgess in charge of their strength and conditioning who was at Melbourne.
“He came to Melbourne when we obviously didn’t play finals, finishing 17th in in 2019 and ninth in 2020 when he came.
“Then we won the flag the next year, and then he left and we bowed out in two straight finals and it’s gone downhill since.
“That man is amazing.”
Oliver was asked if the Brisbane Lions, last year’s premiers, are any chance of going back-to-back?
“Yep, Lachie Neale is my favourite player,” he added.
“I talk to him all the time. He’s a great man.
“He plays through every single injury under the sun, it’s phenomenal.
“But I think Adelaide are pretty strong.”
The Crows meet the Magpies at the Adelaide Oval tonight to kick off the 2025 AFL finals series.
Oliver is in the ownership group of quality sprinter Niance who runs in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
