"We'll Make It Work": Giants Confident Clarry Can Adapt

GWS Giants Show Interest in Clayton Oliver

GWS Giants' Head of Talent, Adrian Caruso, has openly discussed the club's interest in Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver, following a recent meeting between coach Adam Kingsley and football boss Jason McCartney with the four-time Bluey Truscott Trophy winner. The decision-makers were seen spending time with Oliver on Friday afternoon, while Caruso attended the National Draft Combine.

Caruso emphasized that the club is still working through the details of any potential deal. "From what I believe, it went well. It happened late, but it was a great opportunity for those guys to have that chat," he said. He added that the discussions took place on Thursday afternoon, and the club wanted to meet with Oliver first before moving forward. "We haven't had a chance to debrief and figure out what the next steps would be."

Oliver's contract with the Demons, signed in 2022, runs until the end of 2030, making him one of the league's highest-paid players. Recent reports suggest that Melbourne is willing to contribute up to $700,000 per season to facilitate trade discussions. Caruso confirmed that such a contribution would be necessary for the Giants to consider Oliver's move. "Through the conversations with his manager, from our point of view, it would be a challenge to have those conversations if it was at full salary. If it was to happen and he wanted to come to the Giants, I think there seems to be some level of discussion around Melbourne contributing part of it," he said.

There have been questions about whether the Giants can integrate Oliver with Tom Green, a gun academy product and best and fairest winner. Both players share similar contest and clearance archetypes, but Caruso expressed confidence in finding a balance. "We've had that discussion. I think when you get the chance to bring in a potential A-grade midfielder, we'll make it work. They are very similar, but Tom's worked a lot on his transition game. He's not just a stoppage mid anymore. If you think about Clayton at his best, it's the contest ability as well as his transition ability which is what we think appeals."

The Giants are not the only team interested in Oliver, with Collingwood also showing interest. However, Caruso noted that Oliver has not yet decided where he wants to go. "We've had no indication. It's all still fresh for him as well, so he's gotta work through his options, and there are other options popping up. He's open to have those conversations and work through it. We'll be in the background waiting, but we're also in the background ourselves doing our work to make sure it is for us."

Rumours have also circulated about the Giants' interest in St Kilda midfielder Jack Steele, who recently stepped down as captain. Caruso dismissed these claims, stating that the focus remains on Oliver. "I think until we establish where we sit on the Clayton one, it's hard to have those conversations about other options. At the moment, Clayton is more of a focus for us than Jack. We'll work through that over the course of the week. At the moment, I'd say it's more unlikely with Jack, given our midfield mix."

The Giants are also preparing for the absence of veteran player Josh Kelly, who is set to miss the bulk of the next season due to a hip injury. Caruso clarified that the pursuit of Oliver is not a reaction to this setback. "I think they're two separate things. Josh is going to need to have hip resurfacing, which is going to rule him out for six months plus, but I don't think that changes our strategy for next year. We believe we've got the core of a group that's good enough to win it, even if Josh is out for the bulk of next year."

Leek Aleer, a young defender, is expected to move from Western Sydney to Moorabbin this off-season. However, Caruso is waiting to finalize the deal, given St Kilda's active involvement in player movements. "We've had initial discussions with St Kilda. They've got a lot on, so it's not something I see progressing early in the week. We'd rather wait and see what happens with some of their other deals and what ends up in their hand."

With several key moves in the works, the GWS Giants are positioning themselves as a major player in the upcoming off-season, aiming to secure an elusive premiership.