The GWS Giants are reportedly “managing” Clayton Oliver after some “off-field incidents” following the end of the AFL season.
Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has revealed that the reason Oliver did not attend Monday’s Brownlow Medal function was because the club believed it was in his “best interest” to not be at the event.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Giants drama with Whitfield trade talks and Oliver absence
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Oliver had a brilliant season for the Giants after leaving Melbourne at the end of last season in controversial circumstances.
He was the club’s leading vote-getter at the Brownlow with 23 votes but was obviously not at the function in Melbourne.
“My understanding is that the events of the last week, I think Clayton’s had a tough end of season, a tough off-season,” Wilson told Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
Clayton Oliver was not at the Brownlow Medal. Credit: Channel 7 “I just think there’s been some behavioural issues and I think that everybody concerned decided it was in Clayton’s best interest for him not to attend (the Brownlow).”
Asked how concerned are the Giants were about Oliver, Wilson said: “They say they have the issue in hand and they are managing the Clayton Oliver situation.
“They’ve obviously managed him well all year.
“He came to the club. He’s had a great year. He polled 23 votes, their best vote-getter. But as I say, some off-field incidents since the end of the year meant he did not attend the Brownlow.”
Last year new Melbourne coach Steven King told Oliver he should look for another club, despite being contracted until the end of 2030.
Oliver had a rapid fall from grace at Melbourne. He was a four-time best-and-fairest winner there, but in 2023 his professionalism was repeatedly questioned when he battled injury and form issues.
He took time away from the club ahead of the 2024 season, and at the end of that year he had a secret meeting with a group of Geelong senior players on the eve of the trade period.
Melbourne was determined to keep him, and in 2025, there was some expectation Oliver might return to his best. But he again turned in an underwhelming season.
Wilson also said Giants veteran Lachie Whitfield had been left disappointed after learning through his management that the club was willing to trade him.
Whitfield, who joined the Giants as the No.1 draft pick in 2012 and has played 278 games there, is arguably one of the club’s greatest ever players.
The star midfielder/defender was reportedly not informed by either footy manager Jason McCartney or coach Adam Kingsley about the potential trade during his exit meeting.
Whitfield has shared his disappointment with friends and the topic became a talking point at Monday’s Brownlow Medal, where several clubs spoke about a potential move.
While Whitfield understands the club’s position if they can secure a first round draft pick for him, he remains hurt by how the situation was handled.