Why Clayton Oliver will go down as one of the greatest Demons of all time

This Saturday night marks the 200th career game for one of the competition’s most dominant forces in recent history.

A two-time AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year, four-time best and fairest, three-time All-Australian and a premiership player, Clayton Oliver’s reign at the pinnacle of the AFL was a sight to behold.

Bullish through the midfield, Oliver’s phenomenal form across 2021 and 2022 was some of the greatest seen in the modern game. Averaging well over 30 disposals and five tackles a game, Clarry was a force in an elite Demons engine room, with his powerful drive and fearless attack resulting in as many as 8.7 clearances a game in 2022.

Across his two-season rein, Oliver collected 56 Brownlow votes, finishing third in 2021 and fifth in 2022 to accumulate the most votes of any AFL player across the two-year span. The Demon won the AFLCA Player of the Year award in both 2021 and 2022, including two All-Australian blazers and the ultimate award of a premiership medallion in 2021.

Melbourne's triumphant AFL Grand Final victory in '21 was a true testament to Oliver’s greatness, who, alongside Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca and Jack Viney, dominated the midfield battle against the Western Bulldogs, booting 12 straight goals from the middle of the third term to claim a commanding 74-point win.

Oliver had himself a day, amounting 33 disposals, 10 tackles, five clearances and a goal on the biggest stage.

Despite battles with his body - both physically and mentally - Oliver's career accolades and on-field brilliance should draw the highest of praise, and approaching his 200th career game, Melbourne legend David Schwarz believes the star midfielder will go down as one of the Demons’ greatest ever players.

“He's one of the better ones (of all time),” The Ox told SEN’s Captain’s Run.

“(He has) been a phenomenal ball winner. He probably doesn't use it like the elite, he's not a Lenny Hayes with the footy or Robert Harvey or some of those really good players when they get the footy, but gee whiz his grunt work, the ability to win it, and just a pure competitor.

“Clearly, he's had some issues with health and so forth in the last couple of years, but it shouldn't diminish what he's been able to achieve prior to COVID and then during COVID.

“He's been a superb player and if you're looking at his curve, he's probably played out or on the way down, but he is highly respected for his football ability.

“I thought when he arrived at the club, he was a bit heavy and he looked a bit out of shape, but he worked his tail off, and he does have that work ethic when he's right.

“I think he'll go down as one of Melbourne's really, really great players.”

Clarry’s 200th kicks off on Saturday night as the Dees look to take advantage of a struggling Blues side at the MCG.