Melbourne captain Max Gawn reveals plan to get Clayton Oliver back to All-Australian form

Max Gawn has revealed a new reason behind Clayton Oliver’s early-season form slump, and the plan to get the four-time best and fairest winner back to his best.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 16: Max Gawn of the Demons is congratulated by Clayton Oliver after kicking a goal during the round five AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 16, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Melbourne captain Max Gawn has asked Clayton Oliver to join him in Queensland next month to help kickstart his campaign to regain his mantle as one of the AFL’s best midfielders next year.

Oliver, 27, endured the toughest on-field season of his decorated career, dealing with a range of injuries and form issues as well as a question mark over his future.

The midfielder has indicated he was open to attending a US-style training camp once he is over his injury rehabilitation.

But Gawn told the Herald Sun he is keen to work closely with Oliver in the coming months, even asking his wife Jess if his teammate could join them on their family trip to Queensland.

Max Gawn has a plan to get Clayton Oliver back to his best. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

“I think he wants to go to the (United) States or something, but I am trying to convince her (Jess) to allow him (Oliver) to come to Queensland with us,” Gawn said.

“He might come with us.”

Gawn admitted it had been an emotionally challenging season for Oliver as he worked on his personal growth after he took time away from the club late last year and earlier this year.

Gawn’s wife Jess had been “Clayton’s mum” for a period during stages of this year and the Demons skipper was also his chauffeur for a period of time.

“I was his taxi and his Uber,” Gawn said.

“Clarry has had an interesting year … It has been tough from a footy sense, but he has had a great year for himself.

“She (Jess) has been Clayton’s mum for the last year.”

Gawn revealed Oliver tried too hard earlier in the season to take over retired Demon Angus Brayshaw’s role rather than doing the things that made him perform to his best.

Clayton Oliver has fallen well below his high standards this season. Picture: Mark Stewart

“He went away from some of the things he did best,” he said.

“He tried to take Angus Brayshaw’s role in the first 10 weeks and went away from what his strength really was.

“Then he couldn’t find his strength in the back half (of the year).

“He did have some really good games from a team point of view. He won the team award a few times this year.”

Gawn said Oliver had worked so hard on his personal development this season and was convinced his footy dominance could return with his more settled life outside of the game.

“I am so excited by what he (Oliver) can bring next year,” he said. “He has a great balance around him.”

Gawn conceded it had been a draining season, admitting he had spent the past few weeks working hard with a disgruntled Christian Petracca as well as trying to keep the Melbourne players focused on footy.

“I’ve been sort of juggling my captain’s hat. I have been focused … on giving him (Petracca) some love from afar.”

Originally published as Melbourne captain Max Gawn reveals plan to get Clayton Oliver back to All-Australian form