Clayton Oliver thrives at GWS while Petracca struggles at Gold Coast in AFL showdown

Clayton Oliver has thrived at the GWS Giants since leaving Melbourne, while Christian Petracca’s high-profile switch to the Gold Coast Suns has flopped spectacularly. AFL legend Dermott Brereton labelled the difference between the two former Demons as “staggering” after the Suns suffered their seventh straight loss.

The Suns sit 14th after a 79-point thrashing by Adelaide on 13 July 2026. Petracca’s arrival was meant to lift the side’s premiership hopes, but the team has regressed since he joined. Brereton, speaking on *AFL Nation*, said Petracca’s attitude clashed with the club’s existing midfield culture. “He lands there and says, ‘I’ve been unhappy since then, but I’m a million-dollar-plus player. Who’s the highest bidder?’” Brereton said.

Petracca’s stats reflect the struggle. He ranks 112th in pressure acts (14.9 per game) and 319th in defensive half pressure (5.1). Teammate Matt Rowell leads the competition in pressure acts (12.5), while Oliver’s GWS teammate Noah Anderson (9.8) and Touk Miller (6.7) sit inside the top 170.

Oliver’s move to GWS has been a masterstroke. Brereton said Oliver arrived “with his tail between his legs” and adapted instantly. “I think the whole football world will say Clayton has been unbelievably good for the Giants,” he said. Oliver’s rise contrasts sharply with Petracca’s struggles, despite both leaving Melbourne in the same off-season.

The Giants, once a cellar-dweller, now sit in finals contention. Oliver’s form has been a key reason why. He’s averaging career-highs in disposals and contested possessions, while Petracca’s Gold Coast experiment has stalled. Brereton’s criticism centres on Petracca’s reluctance to do the “negative work”: running back to lay tackles or chase opponents.

The Suns host the Western Bulldogs next, needing a win to avoid a record eighth straight loss. Petracca’s future at the club is under scrutiny, while Oliver’s GWS tenure continues to pay dividends. The AFL world is watching how both players’ careers unfold after their controversial exits from Melbourne.

GWS, meanwhile, will push for finals with Oliver leading the charge. His impact has silenced early doubters and proved the value of a player who adapts to a new system. Petracca’s Gold Coast gamble, however, looks increasingly like a misfire.