Is Green's season-ending injury a blessing in disguise for Oliver?

After a positive start to his time with the Giants, Liam Pickering and Josh Jenkins believe that Clayton Oliver's now increased role with the club could be an unexpected benefit for both player and team.

The Giants throughout the pre-season have dealt with plenty of injuries to key players like Sam Taylor (hamstring), Aaron Cadman (pelvis) and Brent Daniels (hamstring).

But none was bigger when it was confirmed that star midfielder Tom Green would miss the 2026 season with a ruptured ACL.

With that news, it has required Oliver to take on a more substantial role within the side’s midfield than initially expected when he was traded.

But in his club debut, the three-time All-Australian played a contributing role in the side’s 27-point win with a game-high 10 clearances alongside his 26 disposals and goal.

And it might have proven to be a handy pick-up given the Giants’ current injury predicament.

“I did think he was a very good contributor,” Pickering said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“And with what they’ve lost with Tom Green, talk about a sliding doors moment.

“You put a bloke in who’s not as good as Tom Green, but he’s a good footballer, and he’s perfect for them.”

But as Jenkins acknowledges, it might be better for Oliver to be given some clear air from Green as the side’s main contested ball winner.

“I didn’t know how it will work with both (in the same team),” Jenkins added.

“Because the game has sort of moved to (being) fast, all being slippery and being quick, and Green is that first possession (guy). He wants to stand at Briggs’ feet and say, ‘hit it to me, and I’ll just feed it out to the runners’.

“We all wish Tom Green was out there. (But) Oliver is that guy now.

“It could be a huge blessing for Clayton Oliver, the individual and maybe by extension the team.”

Having started their season with a win, GWS will look to continue their form when they play the Western Bulldogs in Round 1.

That will see the Giants travel to Melbourne to Marvel Stadium for their Saturday afternoon clash.