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Sport Nation
Live sport on SN this weekendThe GWS star who could be recruit of the year
SEN • May 31st, 2026 1:19 pm
Clayton Oliver’s form in the first half of 2026 has been something to behold.
The midfielder has been outstanding in his debut season with GWS after crossing from Melbourne in the trade period in exchange for a third-round pick.
Prior to Round 12, Oliver ranks No.1 for contested possessions and clearances, is No.1 for ground ball gets and No.3 for total disposals so far this season.
Demons great Garry Lyon was full of praise for the four-time Melbourne best and fairest and three-time All-Australian who has rediscovered his best form with the Giants.
“Not bad for a bloke who just goes to a brand new setup on the back of the kind of year where most people thought he was gone,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s gone in there, Tom Green’s not there, some of the things that would have been sold to him weren’t there, and he has that sort of an impact.”
Asked if he’d have him in the mix for best recruit of the year, Lyon said: “Sure, in terms of impact, yeah.”
Tim Watson then highlighted just how good the Giants and Adam Kingsley have been in allowing recruits to thrive in the orange and charcoal.
“This is what coaching and environments are all about. Everybody talks about the Giants but you can’t knock them,” Watson said.
“When you look at the three they’ve added recently - we spoke about Jayden Laverde the other day, we spoke about Jake Stringer, and now we’re talking about Clayton Oliver.
“They’re doing something right when they get the best out of those players that they recruit from other clubs that have had somewhat chequered pasts.
“They’re producing for the Giants.”
Oliver racked up 37 touches, 23 contested possessions, 11 clearances, eight tackles and five inside 50s in the remarkable 78-point win over reigning premiers Brisbane last weekend.
The Giants next take on Clarry’s former club Melbourne in Alice Springs this afternoon.
