AFL 2023: Adelaide open to trade for Clayton Oliver

In a twist no one saw coming, the Crows could be a potential new home for midfield superstar Clayton Oliver, if the Demons officially explore a trade.

Clayton Oliver of the Demons breaks the tackle of Sam Berry of the Crows.

Adelaide would explore a deal for Clayton Oliver if the Demons officially put him on the trade table despite reservations about his monster contract and off-field behaviour.

The Crows are one of multiple clubs who would start a significant period of due diligence if the Demons committed to exploring a trade.

Clubs are unsure if the Demons are truly prepared to trade Oliver or are only hanging him out as trade bait to shock him into changing his behaviour.

But the Crows believe his strong connection with their fitness boss Darren Burgess, formerly at Melbourne, is a factor that would see him consider a move interstate.

They are also desperate for a star midfielder of his ilk to round out their onball unit, which has young rising stars but needs a pure stoppage beast.

The Crows would need to conduct a significant background check on Oliver to ensure his issues were capable of being rectified given Melbourne’s own concerns.

Clayton Oliver has played some huge games against the Crows. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

They are also aware of the huge scope of his deal and would need board approval to even consider a move to sign him.

Matthew Nicks is expected to sign a new two-year extension ahead of round 1, so the Crows’ desire to bolster their midfield is part of a gradual evolution of their list rather than a quick fix.

But Adelaide has picks 9, 21 and 24 in this year’s draft, will secure a compensation pick for departing free agent Tom Doedee and already has Shane McAdam joining the Demons on a three-year deal.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Adelaide open to trade for Clayton Oliver