“Straight on the blower”: GWS Coleman medallist’s play for troubled midfielder revealed

GWS gun forward Jesse Hogan has revealed he went straight to club CEO Dave Matthews and coach Adam Kingsley when Clayton Oliver emerged as a trade target.

Oliver departed the Demons after 205 games despite holding a contract until the end of 2030, with new coach Steven King suggesting he wouldn't fit in the club's midfield plans.

The Giants swooped on the three-time All-Australian, despite Collingwood's attempts, with Hogan playing a role in luring the star on-baller.

"As soon as there was a chance Clayton was on the move, I was straight on the blower to Adam Kingsley and to Dave Matthews to say, ‘Let's get him, let's have a serious crack', because he's a good kid," Hogan said.

Hogan's had his fair share of troubles throughout his career, which also ironically began at the Demons before a move to Fremantle didn't prove to be fruitful.

The switch to GWS ahead of 2021 was life-altering, and resulted in an All-Australian blazer, Coleman Medal, Kevin Sheedy Medal and subsequent State of Origin selection.

The 31-year-old believes his new teammate could benefit from the "change of scenery".

"I don't want to compare stories, but I feel like a change of scenery for him would be massive. I spoke to him a lot about it, and he came over a few times while he was talking to the powers that be," Hogan added.

"I came here and was able to enjoy the small things again and get the best out of myself.

"I think he's thrived under it so far. Obviously, the season hasn't started, but from all reports and the way he's going about himself, he's really enjoying it."

Oliver admired Hogan's dramatic career turnaround, saying that his journey could provide "hope" for players who are struggling.

"It's obviously quite impressive what Jesse's done, and a bit of hope for a lot of players out there who've gone through a few different things in their career," Oliver said.

"I've had my fair share of downs over the last couple of years, so hopefully a few things are going up.

"I'm just hoping to play a role for the team and put my best foot forward … I feel like I've got that edge back."

Oliver finding his "edge" couldn't have come at a better time for the Giants as they work through a horror run of injuries.

Tom Green's ACL tear has been confirmed, while Toby Bedford will miss at least a month with a hamstring injury. 

Finn Callaghan's troublesome hip will sideline him for the next fortnight as defender Sam Taylor's return timeline from a hamstring injury has yet to be determined, but he'll miss the opening rounds of the season.

Veteran Josh Kelly will miss half of 2026.