Melbourne captain Max Gawn has responded to Clayton Oliver’s cheeky jab at the club, following his first win in GWS colours on Saturday.
The Demons pushed for the star midfielder to find a new home in the trade period, as they entered a new era under coach Steven King, with Oliver ultimately ending up a Giant.
In the absence of a number of key players, he was instrumental in the side’s Opening Round win over Hawthorn, picking up 26 disposals and kicking a goal.
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Phoenix Gothard (left) and Clayton Oliver of the Giants celebrate. AFL Photos via Getty Images
After the game, Oliver was asked about the move and said the training standards at the Giants were clearly higher than Melbourne’s.
“I came back pretty unfit to be honest. A little bit fat. Honestly these boys, the first session I came back I was running with Toby Bedford, Lachie Ash and mate, the standard they set is actually on another level,” Oliver told Fox Footy.
“We came back in November, there was 45 boys back, two weeks early, they’re just that hungry.
“I think that’s why I came here. I know what the talent we’ve got on the list, but I think it’s the hard work. Adam Kingsley has put that in from the top, it’s unreal.”
Responding on Tuesday, Gawn was initially hesitant to fire back at his premiership teammate.
“It came across my desk that maybe he might have said a few things,” Gawn told Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.
“I think Clayton, when he gets put on a microphone, can always say some good stuff.
“But once again, I don’t really care what Clayton says. We’ve been texting throughout the whole week.
“I’m bullish about what we can do this year, so I’m not really focused on what he says about us.”
Nick Riewoldt and Max Gawn on radio. Triple M
St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt pushed a little further, saying the comments “must sting (Gawn) a little bit” and “piss (him) off a little bit”.
Gawn pointed out that the Dees must have had somewhat decent standards when they won the premiership and finished top four across Oliver’s best seasons at the club.
“The standard must have been pretty good when (Oliver) was a three-time All-Australian, four-time best and fairest winner and a premiership player,” Gawn said.
“So we had a relatively good standard for a while there.
“That answer was a bit of cheek, but to be honest, Clayton can say whatever he wants – and does – and it doesn’t affect where I’m going this year.
“I would love him to win the Brownlow, I’ll be the first one there supporting him.”
Oliver wasn’t the only ex-Demon who had a good weekend, with Christian Petracca dominating on debut for Gold Coast.
Christian Petracca of the Suns celebrates a goal with Mac Andrew. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The 2021 Norm Smith Medallist had a game-high 34 disposals to go with three goals, 10 inside 50s and six clearances.
“I’m happy for them. I don’t really care, to be honest. I’m all in on Melbourne and those two boys don’t play for Melbourne,” Gawn said.
“It’s good to see Petracca smiling and playing a great brand of footy. At half time I was happy for him, but by the end I was like ‘geez he’s getting really good numbers here’.
“Clayton, when he kicked the goal, was special as well, but it doesn’t really do anything for me this year.”
Melbourne opens their 2026 season against St Kilda at the MCG in round one.
Gawn’s first meeting with Petracca will come in round four at the MCG, before facing Oliver and GWS in Alice Springs in round 12.