Clayton Oliver returns early to pre-season after failed trade to Geelong
Clayton Oliver has returned almost two weeks early for pre-season as he aims to put a “stinker” behind him and reclaim his mantle as one of the AFL’s premier midfielders.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A refreshed Clayton Oliver returned to Melbourne training on Friday for the first time since twice meeting with Geelong before the start of last month’s trade period.
Oliver, 27, completed a 90-minute session at Gosch’s Paddock with the one-to-four-year players alongside other senior Demons Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty and Tom Sparrow.
For coach Simon Goodwin, and the Demons coaching staff, it was a welcome sign of Oliver’s reconnection to the Demons following his discussions with the Cats about a move.
Melbourne ultimately put a stop to any trade talk for the midfielder at the start of the exchange period, insisting he would be remaining in the red and blue colours in 2025.
Oliver wasn’t due back to training at the club until November 25, but as he told the Herald Sun at Caulfield races recently, he is keen to make up for what he called “a stinker” of a 2024 season.
He played 21 games this year, but his impact was minimal after being hampered by a hand issue which required surgery, as well as knee soreness and several broken ribs.
Oliver completed all of the training drills on Friday and track watchers said he moved freely through the session.
He told the Herald Sun last month that he had overcome all of his injury issues: “I’m all right now. (I) got my hand fixed up, I got (a) metal plate taken out. My knee is all good. I had a couple of broken ribs. I’m all fixed up.”
Oliver travelled down the highway early last month to meet with Cats CEO Steve Hocking and football boss Andrew Mackie.
He also met separately with vice-captain Tom Stewart at Rhys Stanley’s farm.
Oliver still has six years to run on his current deal with the Demons.
More Coverage
Draft live: Dons’ ‘absolute blunder’ as new Sun drops F-bomb
The AFL Draft is in full swing – and things might not have played out just how Essendon thought. Plus Richmond’s new Dusty and an excited new Sun. Follow every selection live.
Late mail: Clarko’s big call at No.2, live trades looming
Alastair Clarkson has locked into his preferred selection with pick 2, while live trades are looming. Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten have the whispers on pick swaps and who your club is targeting.