Dees star Clayton Oliver was with Joel Smith on night he was rushed to hospital
With Demons players called for urgent talks at the club upon their return, it can be revealed Clayton Oliver was with teammate Joel Smith the night he was rushed to hospital.
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Clayton Oliver was with embattled teammate Joel Smith the night he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
It can be revealed the two great mates were together – believed to be at Smith’s house – last week when Oliver had what the Demons described as a seizure.
It’s believed Oliver was not tested for illicit drugs when he was admitted to the Western Health hospital in Footscray.
He was released hours later and the Herald Sun understands that Oliver hit his head in what the club described as a “medical episode” but was cleared of any serious head injuries.
The Herald Sun revealed on Thursday Smith has been provisionally suspended under the WADA anti-doping code after testing positive to cocaine.
As the Demons face scrutiny about their culture, it can also be revealed Melbourne players, who are on leave, have been sent text messages from the club asking for urgent talks when they return.
The AFL is closely monitoring the Melbourne situation.
On Friday the Demons declined to comment.
Smith, 27, was tested by Sports Integrity Australian officials at the end of the Round 23 match against Hawthorn and will face a SIA hearing in the coming weeks.
Smith is expecting to be suspended for three months, which he would serve over summer.
The Demons said earlier this month they had been assisting Oliver.
“The club has been aware of and supporting Clayton with his personal circumstances for some time and is committed to continuing to do so,” Club boss Gary Pert said in a letter to members on October 6.
“While club leaders focus on the care and support Clayton needs, we also have a responsibility to uphold our strong club culture for the benefit of all our players and staff.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone within the club is committed to meeting the expected behavioural standards of a player within an AFL high performance environment.
“Clayton understands what is expected of him as a professional athlete, as well as the standards and behaviours a Melbourne person is expected to uphold.’’
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Originally published as Dees star Clayton Oliver was with Joel Smith on night he was rushed to hospital
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