On 30/11/2025 at 18:55, HarpenDee said:

Oliver looks in ripping nick and may go well, maybe the penny has dropped and his determined to show it. However:

16 other clubs weren't prepared to bet on that happening with more than a 3rd rounder and half his salary.

The issue was never really how Oliver "looked" though. He has been doing extensive self-care in his own time (physically, at least) since at least the end of 2022. We know this because he shared it often on social media.

I was against getting rid of him right up until we did and I realised why the club feels the way they do about him. His behaviour and reaction post-trade hasn't been great towards a club he won 4 B&Fs and a flag at... but at the same time I empathise with him because who wouldn't feel bitter when you're pushed out the door of a place you're trying hard to be better in. As I mentioned earlier in the thread I fully expect him to start strongly and make a big difference initially at GWS, but I dont think it'll last long. If he ever does get back to his consistent best I reckon it won't be for at least another year or two.

And let's be real about the interest. At his age, with his history (both storied and not-so-storied), the only teams that would be interested would be those that consider themselves in the window. Then remove those teams who dont need a player like Oliver. THEN remove those teams that aren't prepared to manage his behavioural issues. It was always going to be a small pool of interest but he was always going to find a home. If it wasn't going to be GWS another suitor would have popped up.

i cant hate the bloke, hes just a normal guy doing his best to get along in life, hes made some mistakes no doubt he owns them and i dont think theres any animosity from his side towards the dees. just the way life goes, hell play good footy next year because thats what he does best

I don't care how he goes at GWS

8 minutes ago, BDA said:

I don't care how he goes at GWS

As long as it’s bad

The failure to trade to Geelong end of 24 is not going to age terribly well considering it stinks already

He's gravitated toward stringer. Enough said

Can we just put this topic to bed? He’s gone.

13 minutes ago, Fanatique Demon said:

Can we just put this topic to bed? He’s gone.

No way. Oliver is grist for the Demonland mill user traffic. Let others indulge if they wish.

Edited December 13, 2025Dec 13 by John Crow Batty

2 hours ago, dees189227 said:

He's gravitated toward stringer. Enough said

No one said he was a rocket scientist.

Or even have a degree in socialisation and cultural relations.

He is a footballer from the bush. Full stop. If you do something stupid there are consequences .

On 05/12/2025 at 10:43, Willmoy1947 said:

Might be just a genuinely better person....

Yes that as well!!

3 hours ago, Demonsone said:

His behaviours are his… yet the club assisted him in every way possible I believe to the point of affecting the culture of the playing group by playing him after missing preseason… King would not have wanted the constant noise & put the hard word on either evolve or there is the door! Don’t blame him I blame Goody

I’ve heard it all now Demonsone, I don’t blame CO for all the negative publicity or for any of his antics over the past 2.5 years, it was Simon Goodwins Fault for being Loyal to his Former Champions. Imagine if he had sacked him at the end of ‘23. 🤬

17 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

I’ve heard it all now Demonsone, I don’t blame CO for all the negative publicity or for any of his antics over the past 2.5 years, it was Simon Goodwins Fault for being Loyal to his Former Champions. Imagine if he had sacked him at the end of ‘23. 🤬

Didn’t you know. Every thing was Goodwin’s fault except for the premiership.

3 hours ago, Superunknown said:

The failure to trade to Geelong end of 24 is not going to age terribly well considering it stinks already

I’d much rather Clarry at GWS than the dirty Cats!

By the end of 2022 he had two Coaches Awards, three All-Australian nods, four Melbourne B&Fs and at 150 games was on target to hold the all time records for contested possessions, clearances, handballs and a few other sundry stats.

He had 110 Brownlow votes before his 150th game.

In his 150th game he clocked 3 brownlow votes.

In his 151st another 2 votes.

Since then, in total for two and a half seasons, just six more.

Not sure there has even been a more dramatic 'two halves' of a career than what seems to be forming for Oliver.

But he will have fun and be well used at GWS, given they had a key list need for clearance support for Green, particularly with both Coniglio and Kelly out with injury again.

5 hours ago, chook fowler said:

As long as it’s bad

Not nice Chook. Forgotten his past on field deeds?

7 hours ago, Demonsone said:

Don’t blame him I blame Goody

Of course you do.

Only a matter of time before Goodwin is blamed for Norm Smith's sacking.

7 hours ago, Superunknown said:

The failure to trade to Geelong end of 24 is not going to age terribly well considering it stinks already

I’d much rather seeing him play for the Giants than the Cats.

20 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Of course you do.

Only a matter of time before Goodwin is blamed for Norm Smith's sacking.

Goody wasn’t born yet. If he had’ve been, Norm wouldn’t initially have gotten fired. So yes……….i blame Goodwin for that fiasco as well.

I would be thrilled if he won the next 5 Brownlows, if we win the next 5 flags.

4 hours ago, Demons11 said:

I’d much rather Clarry at GWS than the dirty Cats!

Maybe he could have returned to top form last season. But in hindsight we would have got way more than a bottle of beer and a gift certificate we got a month ago if Geelong , or whoever, took him a year ago .

12 minutes ago, Go Ds said:

Maybe he could have returned to top form last season. But in hindsight we would have got way more than a bottle of beer and a gift certificate we got a month ago if Geelong , or whoever, took him a year ago .

That was my point

We’d have had a high first rounder and no salary (probably)

The other things is the game has gone past him. Without the ability to kick, or break packs anymore, his opponent will just on the outside and stop the hand ball . He may get the odd clearance, but in the long run won’t hurt opponents .

2 minutes ago, Superunknown said:

That was my point

We’d have had a high first rounder and no salary (probably)

I guess. But if he returned to form this year and ended up winning the Brownlow (and I guess Geelong the GF) that would have left a bad taste in our mouths.

7 hours ago, Superunknown said:

The failure to trade to Geelong end of 24 is not going to age terribly well considering it stinks already

Hindsight much? Not what you were saying back in October 24:

"fine him into submission, play at Casey till you earn it

coupled with appropriate medical / clinical care "

14 minutes ago, Superunknown said:

We’d have had a high first rounder and no salary (probably)

Geelong's reported offer was a future first, i.e. this year. Which was pick 24.