The 28-year-old midfielder departed Melbourne in the 2025 trade period, leaving the club he won the premiership at in 2021 as Oliver became an embattled star of the league facing a myriad of concerns off-field and on-field.
However, it looked to be the Demon of old, now representing the orange and charcoal, when Oliver lined up on-ball in GWS’ Opening Round clash with the Hawks.
Oliver had 26 disposals - 19 of which were contested - 10 clearances, four inside 50s and a jaw-dropping goal in the Giants’ 27-point victory at ENGIE Stadium.
Speaking with Fox Footy on-field post game, Oliver reflected upon his move interstate and how he found preseason at the expansion club, stating the athletic professionalism of his teammates left him chasing the pack.
“I came back pretty unfit to be honest, a little bit fat,” Oliver candidly said.
“But honestly these boys, the first session I came back I was running with ‘Whitters’ (Lachie Whitfield), Toby Bedford and Lachie Ash and mate, the standard they set is on another level.
“Even when we were coming back in November there was 45 boys back two weeks early.
“They’re just that hungry, and that’s why I’ve come here.”
The Mooroopna export’s former premiership teammate Christian Petracca also sought a move from Melbourne in the off-season, flying further north to Gold Coast, and had a return to form in his own right the night before Oliver’s game.
Oliver said the Norm Smith medallist has kept in touch with him, and received an encouraging text before his turn in new colours.
“It was unreal. So good to see him playing well. He deserves it,” Oliver told News Corp after Petracca’s Opening Round performance for the Suns.
“We keep in touch all the time.
“I was texting him last night and this morning, and he sort of texted me, and he said, ‘Your turn now’.”
Oliver will travel back to his Victorian roots for round one when the Giants take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, a side which comes off defeating the reigning premiers Brisbane.
