Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver has come under criticism this week following his performance in Round 5.
In particular, the skill level of the Demons midfielder was the topic of discussion after he kicked the ball poorly in last weekend’s loss to Richmond.
On Fox Footy’s On The Couch, Nick Riewoldt labelled the major flaw in Oliver’s game as a “liability” to his side.
“He was an elite player two years (ago),” the St Kilda great said.
“He’s not an elite player at the moment, Clayton Oliver. He’s the eighth worst kick in the competition. He’s almost become a bit of a liability when he’s using the ball by foot.
“He’s got to go to work now on his own game and try and complement his great strength because we’re not talking about effort with Clayton Oliver, we’re talking about fundamental flaws in his game that he needs to address.”
However, 2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney is not so sure if Oliver is a liability given he is the player who is getting more of the ball than any of his teammates.
“I wouldn’t say overall a liability because I think he’s had the most disposals for the Dees so far with 97 for the season,” he said on SEN Drive.
“Nick is right in some aspects in that he’s just got to get back to doing what he does best.
“He actually is an ok kick when he gets a bit of momentum up and takes three or four quick steps and then is able to deliver and make a better decision.
“It’s the ones where you kick off one step or no step and you don’t have the peripheral vision, that’s the problem.”
Early last year, former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon suggested Oliver was the club’s “best ever midfielder” but he admits the 22-year-old will need to improve his game drastically to get there, highlighting one area in particular that simply must get better for both player and club.
“I said he would be (Melbourne’s best mid) and he’s stalled, it is fair to say, in his quest to fulfil that,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s still an enormously talented footballer but he’s got to add to his game. Unless he does, I’ll be left with egg on my face.
“He needs composure. That’s what the whole footy club needs to add to their game.”
Oliver is averaging 24 disposals over four games so far this season with his 97 touches (38 kicks and 59 handballs) going at 73 percent efficiency.
However, he has produced only 19 effective kicks for a kicking efficiency of just 50 percent.
The Demons have commenced life in their Sydney hub as they look to bounce back with a win against Gold Coast at Giants Stadium on Saturday.