The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants have started their 2026 preparations with a 35-point win over Collingwood in a match simulation. While the victory showed the team’s scoring power, it comes during a difficult time for the club's midfield. Clayton Oliver, playing his first unofficial game in Giants colors, performed well, but the team is currently working without its best player, Tom Green, who is expected to miss the entire year. The situation creates a mix of on-field success and significant roster pressure as the new season approaches.
Timeline of Events and Key Players
The transition of Clayton Oliver from Melbourne to Sydney follows a period of physical and professional change for the midfielder.
October 2025: GWS secures Clayton Oliver from Melbourne in exchange for a future third-round pick.
December 2025: Club leaders, including Toby Greene, report that Oliver is in excellent physical condition.
February 2026: Midfielder Tom Green suffers a suspected ACL knee injury during an intra-club match, likely ending his 2026 season.
February 2026: GWS defeats Collingwood by 35 points in a pre-season simulation; Oliver debuts and Kieren Briggs scores four goals.
Match Evidence and Performance Data
During the recent match simulation against Collingwood, GWS used a tall forward line to control the game.
"Oliver’s importance to the Giants has never been greater with Tom Green out for the season and Finn Callaghan also sidelined." — Official Match Report
| Player | Performance Note | Role in Match |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton Oliver | "Shined" in first appearance | Primary Midfielder |
| Kieren Briggs | 4 goals (all in the first half) | Ruck / Forward |
| Nick Madden | 3 goals | Ruck / Forward |
| Jake Riccardi | 2 goals | Forward |
The Giants used their size advantage to overpower Collingwood, with three tall players combining for nine goals.
Read More: Essendon Bombers pre-season match shows Darcy Parish and Hussien El Achkar's strong play
Analysis of Defensive Work and Playing Style
There are different views on how Clayton Oliver impacts a team. While he is known for winning the ball, his defensive efforts have been questioned by observers in the past.
The Offensive Strength: GWS Executive Jason McCartney described Oliver as a "midfield beast" and a premier ball winner. His ability to win the ball in tight spaces is his main strength.
The Defensive Concern: In March 2025, analyst Kane Cornes highlighted video showing Oliver losing track of his players. Critics pointed out that while he is good at the "centre bounce," he sometimes fails to follow his opponent when the ball moves away.
The Transition: Can Oliver adapt his defensive running to fit the GWS system, or will his focus remain primarily on winning the initial contest?
Impact of Midfield Injuries
The injury to Tom Green has changed the expectations for the GWS midfield. Green was a central part of the team's plans, and his absence leaves a large hole in their strategy.
The Loss of Tom Green: The club confirmed a suspected ACL injury for Green after a training incident. This is considered a "huge blow" because of his high level of play.
Depth Issues: With Finn Callaghan also missing time, the team is relying heavily on Oliver and Josh Kelly.
The Ruck Role: Kieren Briggs showed he can be a scoring threat, which may help take pressure off the midfielders. However, his health remains vital as he has a history of minor injuries, such as a neck issue in 2025.
Expert Perspectives on Club Culture
The Giants have developed a reputation for helping players find their best form after facing difficulties at other clubs.
Toby Greene, GWS Captain, stated that his job is to make Oliver feel comfortable in Sydney, away from the intense media focus of Melbourne. He noted that the club has a history of "taking on talented players dealing with off-field issues" and helping them settle.
Jason McCartney, GWS General Manager, expressed high confidence in the trade, noting Oliver's "vision and burst" as key factors that will improve the team's "engine room."
Investigative Findings
The evidence shows that GWS has successfully integrated Clayton Oliver into their playing group during the pre-season. His performance against Collingwood suggests he is physically ready to play a major role. However, the team's overall success is now tied to how well they can replace Tom Green's production.
Key Uncertainties:
How will the midfield balance work once the regular season begins against full-strength opponents?
Will Clayton Oliver maintain the defensive discipline that critics claimed was missing during his final year at Melbourne?
Can the Giants' tall forwards continue to provide high scoring if the midfield is under more pressure?
The club is currently focusing on medical recovery for Green and preparing Oliver for a high-usage role in the starting lineup.
Reference List
Fox Sports: Report on GWS vs Collingwood match simulation and Oliver's debut.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-preseason-2026-collingwood-magpies-vs-gws-giants-match-simulation-scores-and-updates-blog-stats-squads-latest-news/news-story/1df4a2aad8010219b4cd106995e3e121
7News: Analysis of Clayton Oliver's defensive work and criticisms from Kane Cornes.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/clayton-oliver-exposed-without-the-ball-as-damning-vision-emerges-after-melbournes-loss-to-gws-giants-c-18073080
GWS Giants Official: Announcement regarding the successful trade for Clayton Oliver.
https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/1915958/happy-as-clarry
AFL Official News: Coverage of GWS performance and Kieren Briggs' previous injury history.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1276086/greater-western-sydney-giants-make-light-work-of-misfiring-collingwood-magpies-in-statement-first-up-win
Sporting News: Report on Tom Green's season-ending ACL injury and the opportunity for Oliver.
https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/horror-tom-green-injury-gives-gws-giants-opportunity-clayton-oliver/7e3ad5cfc0399d527a651d38
Read More: Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints pre-season game shows new players but raises contract questions
Nine News (SMH/The Age): Discussion on Oliver's fitness and GWS's reputation for player rehabilitation.
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2025-toby-greene-gws-giants-clayton-oliver-trade-period-melbourne-demons-20251202-p5nk1r.html
