By Sam McClure
Clayton Oliver’s feeling that his club Melbourne has dangled him as trade bait twice in 12 months led to the four time best and fairest winner meeting with Geelong on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, who has six years left on his contract at an average of $1.3 million per season, travelled down the highway to Geelong to meet with a group of Cats heavyweights, which included chief executive Steve Hocking and football boss and club legend Andrew Mackie.
Clayton Oliver met with the Cats on Tuesday.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images
The meeting with Hocking and football boss Mackie came after The Age revealed rival clubs believed the 27-year-old was again an attainable trade target.
Melbourne officials confirmed on Tuesday they were unaware the meeting was taking place, but said they would not comment publicly.
Two sources close to Oliver, who wanted to remain anonymous to speak freely, confirmed the meeting.
The sources told this masthead that Oliver was disappointed with Melbourne as he felt that he was being put up for trade in similar circumstances to last year.
The Demons earlier this week played down any speculation of Oliver being traded and issued this masthead a statement late on Monday evening before Tuesday’s meeting with Geelong.
The statement stopped short of definitively stating that Oliver would be at the club in 2025.
“Clayton is an important player for our club and remains a contracted, required member of the team. We look forward to seeing Clayton in the red and blue next year and beyond,” football boss Alan Richardson said.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation said Melbourne officials were surprised when they learned of Oliver’s meeting with Geelong.
Geelong officials were contacted for comment.
Oliver is managed by Nick Gieschen of Connors Sports Management, who is currently on holiday in Bali. He would not comment.
CSM founder Paul Connors, who also manages Bailey Smith who is likely to join Geelong on a six-year deal in exchange for the Cats’ first round pick this season, would also not comment publicly.
Oliver was courted heavily by Adelaide 12 months ago when Melbourne made it known that they were willing to listen to offers for the superstar midfielder.
Geelong also showed interest, but Melbourne backflipped and ultimately shut down any talk of a potential trade.
Last year Oliver did not want to leave Melbourne and did not like the thought of having to move interstate.
But now Oliver is much more open to moving clubs given he feels he is no longer valued.
The club is also still dealing with the fallout of the scenario surrounding fellow midfield gun Christian Petracca, who will miss Friday’s best and fairest event to travel to Europe and attend a sponsor’s event.
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