Clayton Oliver at Gosch’s Paddock, Melbourne, during an open training session in 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)
Clayton Oliver, a troublesome teammate, is expected to return to action within the month, according to Melbourne skipper Max Gawn’s report.
Oliver has been under fire since the 2023 season ended, with media sources suggesting a possible trade because of the 26-year-old’s standards and behavior, both within and without of the club.
Oliver also spent a night in Footscray Hospital following a night at the house of his suspended teammate Joel Smith, when he experienced what is now believed to be a seizure.
Oliver was discovered driving with a suspended license and leaving the Demons’ training camp in Lorne before the Christmas season following this episode.
Although both inside and outside Melbourne’s four walls have questioned Oliver’s standards, Gawn asserted that he was in frequent touch with Oliver and that the ball-magnet will return to training in January.
“According to the most recent report, (Oliver) is going to participate in those January training sessions, so hopefully we’ll get a decent Clarry for the remainder of preseason,” 7 News anchor Gawn stated.
“I am excited for Clarry to return to training and be with us guys again; we still communicate on a regular basis, even though he has his ups and downs.”
Oliver has consistently performed well on the field since joining the Redlegs with the fourth choice in the 2015 AFL Draft. He has won three All-Australian Blazer awards, four Bluey Truscott Medals, and two AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Awards.
Oliver’s contract with Melbourne expires at the end of the 2030 season, and at that time, he is anticipated to make roughly $7 million.
