AT JUST 24 years of age, Clayton Oliver has already got three best and fairest trophies and a premiership medallion to his name.

But it looks like he’s still getting better.

Eight games into his seventh season at AFL level, the hard-at-it midfielder is averaging a career-high 33 disposals – the third most in the competition – per outing.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Oliver, who was known for his fast hands in the early stages of his career, is now kicking the ball 50 percent of the time he gets it, which has correlated in a number of other personal best returns.

The former No.4 draft pick has averaged eight clearances, six inside 50s, five marks and two score assists in 2022, taking his game to another level.

And Sunday’s outing against the Saints was much of the same.

Oliver amassed 38 touches and combined with Christian Petracca (36 disposals) to help Melbourne record its eighth victory from as many starts this season.

“Me and Trac are good mates, probably best mates, and out on the field we just share the ball with each other,” Oliver told Melbourne Media.

“I just try to look for him … he uses the ball so well.

“I get the first possession and give it to him – he usually does the rest.

“He makes me look good, I think.”

Humble as always, Oliver shifts the credit elsewhere, and acknowledges the likes of Jack Viney, Tom Sparrow and James Harmes for helping him find the footy.

But it’s hard not to be impressed by the best clearance player, and second-best contested ball winner, in the league this season.

“I think everyone is just a by-product of the team,” Oliver said.

“You just play well because the team is playing well.

“Play your role and do your little bit and you get rewarded for it.”

According to Champion Data, Oliver is the fourth best player in the league this year, and although he isn’t worrying about individual performances, his role has gone a long way in helping the Demons sit on top of the ladder after Round 8.