CLAYTON Oliver only has to look to new GWS teammate Jesse Hogan for inspiration, feeling he's capable of reigniting his career and winning another premiership.
Three months since his exit from Melbourne, Oliver says he's finally rediscovered the "edge" that made him a three-time All-Australian midfielder and four-time club best-and-fairest.
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The 2021 premiership Demon, who was contracted to 2030, left after being told he did not fit into the club's midfield plans under new coach Steven King.
Readily admitting his form had declined since Melbourne's drought-ending premiership amid a series of off-field issues, the 28-year-old said Hogan's remarkable transformation at the Giants had given him "a bit of hope".
Former Demons teammate Hogan's career reboot since moving from Fremantle at the end of 2020 has been well-documented.
Asked if he was looking to do the same with his career, Oliver said: "Yeah, I think so.
"It's obviously quite impressive what Jesse's done, and a bit of hope for a lot of players out there who've gone through a few different things in their career.
"I've had my fair share of downs over the last couple of years, so hopefully a few things are going up."
Hogan had no reservations when asked if Oliver could follow in his footsteps.
Describing his earliest memories of a "chubby" Oliver, Hogan said the new Giant has been the earliest player in and the last out during pre-season.
"As soon as there was a chance that Clayton was on the move, I was straight on the blower to (coach) Adam Kingsley," Hogan said.
"To say, 'Let's get him. Let's have a serious crack at this because he's a good kid'.
"I don't want to compare our stories, but I just feel like a change of scenery for him would be massive.
"There's absolutely no reason that he can't get back to being one of the best mids in the comp."
Set to play a larger role with prime mover Tom Green (ACL) set to miss the season, Oliver said he is already developing a strong relationship with Kingsley.
"I probably didn't lose the love of (the game), probably just had a few other things going on," Oliver said.
"Ever since I've come up here, I've got that drive back and motivation.
"What 'Kingers' does for the club, he gets the best out of people and knows how to get people going again. I feel like I've got that edge back.
"But I feel grateful (for Melbourne), I played 200-odd games there, won a flag.
"I'm a life member there - unless they cancel that on me, hopefully they don't.
"I'm still welcome back there, probably not at the moment, but ... nah, I'll be forever grateful. I'm happy it's a new chapter in my life."
The frustration of "missed opportunities" with Melbourne still lingers for Oliver, who is determined to help the Giants snare a maiden flag.
"I feel like I probably should have, or we (the Demons) should have won a couple more," Oliver said.
"To come here and especially win the first one of the Giants, it would be unbelievable to be a part of that."