By Peter Ryan
Melbourne champion Clayton Oliver will remain on extended leave to deal with his ongoing health issues as the Demons return to pre-season training on Thursday.
The club has pledged its full support to the 26-year-old as he deals with what Demons football manager Alan Richardson described as “personal issues”.
Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver.Credit: Getty Images
The four-time Melbourne best-and-fairest winner and 2021 premiership player has been subject to intense scrutiny since the end of the season and left the club’s training camp at Lorne before the Christmas break.
However, the club, on the advice of medical experts, is prioritising Oliver’s health ahead of his return to football and asking for his privacy to be respected as he manages the complex issues he faces.
Richardson said Oliver had taken leave to focus on his wellbeing.
“Clayton has personal issues that he has been dealing with. Clayton has been working extremely closely with his personal medical team, with the support of key club staff, in order to manage these challenges,” Richardson said.
“The club fully supports Clayton taking this important time out, which will allow him to focus on these challenges.
“Our primary focus is Clayton’s overall wellbeing, and we will continue to support him through this period.
“It’s important for Clayton that we respect his privacy and his need for time and space.”
The talented on-baller returned for the final five matches of the season after battling to overcome a persistent hamstring injury during 2023 and had an impact in both finals.
Oliver, who has a seven-year contract starting this season, has been in the headlines since the season finished with opposition clubs under the impression during October’s trade period he might be open to a trade.
He then went to hospital in an ambulance after a seizure and also had a minor knee procedure post-season. The Demons put out a statement from CEO Gary Pert that underlined Oliver’s need to meet certain standards.
Oliver is also due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 6 after being charged with driving while his licence was suspended on medical grounds after the seizure.
Oliver has finished in the top 10 in three of the past four Brownlow Medals and was a key player in the Demons’ drought-breaking 2021 flag. He has played 162 games.
Joel Smith is also unable to train as he remains provisionally suspended after returning a positive test to cocaine following a round 23 match last season.
The Demons, who are determined to atone for their past two seasons, have gone out of the past two finals series in straight sets with tight losses in both 2023 finals.
Their first game against Sydney at the SCG on March 7 kicks off the 2024 season.
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