AFL: Melbourne star Clayton Oliver could play against Port Adelaide despite surgery on fractured thumb

Clayton Oliver is holding out hope he can recovery from thumb surgery in time to take on Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Clayton Oliver fractured his right thumb last week and required surgery. Picture: Getty Images

Brownlow Medal fancy Clayton Oliver remains a chance to play against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs on Sunday despite undergoing surgery on his fractured right thumb.

Oliver suffered the injury late in Melbourne’s 28-point loss to Geelong, when Cats captain Joel Selwood accidentally kicked the Demons star’s hand.

The 24-year-old had his operation on Saturday and club doctor Laura Lallenec said he would be given “every chance” to face the Power.

“He’s unlikely to play this weekend but we will give him every chance to get up for our game in Alice,” Lallenec said.

“Otherwise, we’re hopeful for a return against the Bulldogs (next week).”

Clayton Oliver is unlikely to play against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

Oliver is enjoying another outstanding season, averaging almost 35 disposals and more than eight clearances per game, and would be a major loss if he can’t play against in-form Port Adelaide.

He is 12 votes clear of second-placed Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw in the AFL Coaches’ Association champion player of the year award.

Meanwhile, young Demon Deakyn Smith suffered a fractured jaw in the VFL on Friday night and will miss the next month after having surgery on Monday.

Blake Howes (foot), Andy Moniz-Wakefield (groin) and Daniel Turner (facial fracture) are all training again and available for selection.