Clayton Oliver Moves to No. 1 in AFL Player Ratings

Last updated: May 24, 2022, 11:04AM | Published: May 24, 2022, 7:11AM

Melbourne has no shortage of star power in 2022, with Max Gawn and Christian Petracca two of the biggest names in the league, but it is Clayton Oliver who is on top according to the latest update of Stats Insider's renowned AFL Playing Ratings model.

Oliver, who was drafted by the Demons with the 4th overall pick in the 2015 draft, has gone from strength to strength since then, with the midfielder's performances this year elevating him to the top of our AFL player rankings list.

After 10 rounds in 2022, Clayton Oliver is averaging 34 disposals, 4.4 marks, 4.2 tackles, 6.6 inside 50s and 8.7 clearances per game, all of which except for tackles are increases on last season, a year in which he polled 31 Brownlow votes.

With the run that the 24-year-old is on, Oliver has now become the number one ranked player in the AFL based on our robust and powerful AFL Player Ratings system.

Stats Insider's AFL Player Ratings are the output of an in-house formula created to rank every current AFL player. The ratings use both short-term and long-term data to provide a score out of 100 for each player.

Top 10 Players in the AFL

Clayton Oliver (Demons)	99.7
Christian Petracca (Demons)	99.4
Marcus Bontempelli (Bulldogs)	98.4
Touk Miller (Suns)	97.9
Lachie Neale (Lions)	97.8
Max Gawn (Demons)	97.7
Jack Steele (Saints)	97.6
Nic Naitanui (Eagles)	97.5
Jack Macrae (Bulldogs)	97.4
Ollie Wines (Power)	97.3

After another strong showing against North Melbourne in Round 10, where he had a career-high 45 disposals, 13 inside 50s, 13 clearances, and 6 tackles, Clayton Oliver separated himself from Christian Petracca atop of our AFL player rankings.

Both Oliver and Petracca had been tied at the top of the AFL Player Ratings for over a month, but 'Clarry' now has a slight advantage (99.7 compared to 99.3), which could bode well for those betting on him for the Brownlow.

At the time of writing, Oliver is still the third or fourth favourite with most bookies.

2022 Brownlow Medal Odds

$3.90: Lachie Neale
$4: Patrick Cripps
$6: Clayton Oliver
$7: Christian Petracca
$9: Andrew Brayshaw
$15: Sam Walsh
$18: Callum Mills
$26: Bailey Smith, Touk Miller
$51: Ben Keays, Darcy Parish, Isaac Heeney, Jack Macrae, Luke Parker, Max Gawn, Tim Taranto, Tom Greene

Odds via Top Sport and correct at time of publishing.

MORE: Expert tips for this week's AFL games

Why Clayton Oliver Can Win the 2022 Brownlow

After posting between 12-14 votes for four years straight (plus 3 in his debut season), Clayton Oliver's Brownlow numbers exploded in 2021, polling 31 votes to finish third behind winner Ollie Wines, and Marcus Bontempelli.

Now, with an increase in a host of key stats, his 'breakout' year well and truly behind him, and the Dees looking like a serious threat of winning 20+ games, there's not much stopping him from going even higher this season.

So, if you're looking to get on someone for the 2022 Brownlow Medal before their odds come in, Clayton Oliver is looking like the smart bet as we head into the second half of the AFL season.

Ryan Leaver

Ryan Leaver is a respected journalist and lifelong sports fan who is widely regarded as one of Australia's most trusted sources for accurate and up-to-date information across various sports. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism (Sport) from La Trobe University, which strengthens his credibility in the field. Ryan, who previously worked at Triple M, where he provided comprehensive coverage of the AFL and cricket, is renowned for his extensive knowledge and ability to deliver the latest insights.