Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver, one of the biggest names in the Australian Football League (AFL), is currently embroiled in a scandal. His club’s coaching panel recently decided to play him as a tagger, igniting discussion about the player’s future with the club. It’s an unforgettable performance that recalls his combination of genius and rage. This has led to some truly contentious debates between supporters and detractors alike.
In 2022, Oliver signed a seven-year contract extension worth an estimated $7 million. He has committed to remaining with Melbourne through the end of 2030. So far this season, he’s been a monster, averaging 27.6 disposals and seven clearances a game. That’s why so many are calling into account the coaching tactics of Melbourne’s top man, Simon Goodwin—which is understandable, given his position at the moment.
This past season was no ordinary challenge for Oliver. He was assigned tagging responsibilities for important games against Hawthorn and Richmond. In the recent game against Hawthorn he ended the first quarter with only one touch. This caused concern that he would be ineffective in that role. He’s already made one of the best comebacks in third quarter history against Richmond. His experience and skills were on display and he was instrumental in changing the momentum of the game.
The impact of the decision to use Oliver as a tagger has caused an uproar by fans. Many are bewildered by the choice, considering Oliver’s vast potential and past performance as one of Melbourne’s leading midfielders.
“Clayton Oliver is not a bloody tagger … Who’s brain dead idea was this?” – a fan on X (formerly Twitter)
This popular sentiment exposes a larger frustration among supporters who feel like Oliver’s potential is being squandered. Another fan voiced disbelief at the rationale behind the decision, stating, “Abs, just saw this and spat my coffee out in laughter. Surely we are living in an alternate universe. Clayton Oliver the taggers’ tagger.”
Critics say putting Oliver on tagging attacks wastes his ability and impact on the team. Some fans suggest that Melbourne should rely on other players for tagging roles, allowing Oliver to focus on what he does best: being a ball-winner and playmaker.
“Nothing against Clayton Oliver but what is the point of Simon Goodwin playing him as a tagger? They’re paying him $1 million/season to be a ball chaser and winner,” another fan expressed.
And of course, the backlash hasn’t just been seen from angry fans. It’s been seen from commentators within the sport itself. Sam McClure observed that there seems to be an internal frustration with Oliver, noting, “I think there’s a level of frustration internally with Clayton that, you know, he’s just not the superstar player that he was a short time ago.” He further added, “He’s playing as a mediocre midfielder in a mediocre team.”
It’s telling that some of the loudest answers come from Oliver himself, who is clearly grappling with what’s happening now. He requires deference from the national media as well as fans for his track record and consistent production. He is upset about how they have been depicting him.
“The ‘football journalist’s’ (sic) have no integrity. Grow up and leave the kid alone. They wonder why they have personal struggles and have to have a week off,” Oliver stated.
This time last year, trade negotiations got intense, and speculation began flying. It looked like Oliver would be keen on coming home to Geelong, particularly after meeting with the players. While opting out proved a savvy move, reports suggest that he is still mad about not getting traded then.
