AFL 2024: Melbourne captain Max Gawn ‘comfortable’ with early Clayton Oliver return

Melbourne Max Gawn revealed why his “answer has changed” on the troubled star Clayton Oliver who could play in his team’s season-opener

Melbourne captain Max Gawn says he is ‘inspired' by Clayton Oliver’s bravery in quickly returning to football amid serious personal issues. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

If Clayton Oliver reaches match fitness in the next fortnight, captain Max Gawn says he is “comfortable” with the star midfielder making an immediate return to the Melbourne side despite his tumultuous off-season.

The four-time Demons best and fairest could be a surprise inclusion in the squad when they travel to Sydney for the season opener against the Swans on March 7, with his path to a return cleared by the AFL pending a decision made by Melbourne’s leadership.

Gawn said he was “incredibly inspired” by Oliver’s efforts to regain the trust of his teammates and build fitness amid his personal issues and would have no problem with the 26-year-old coming straight back into the senior side.

“I’m comfortable both ways (playing or not) – I haven’t spoken to my other leaders or Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) about this yet,” Gawn told reporters on Wednesday.

Clayton Oliver evades new Richmond recruit Mykelti Lefau during Sunday’s practice match at Casey Fields, in a performance which pleased captain Max Gawn. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“To be fair, our sole focus has been getting Clarry back to training. The scratch match sort of came about as it did … we’ll talk about it (after) that, with Clarry it’s probably more day-to-day, so we’ll just make sure we keep him going.”

Oliver battled serious mental health issues during the 2023 season and was hospitalised in October after a medical episode, before he was charged with driving while his licence was suspended in December.

He abruptly left the Demons’ pre-season camp in Lorne before Christmas and took another extended break from football, before returning to full training earlier this month.

His impressive three-quarter stint against a second-string Richmond side at Casey Fields on Sunday had the Melbourne captain convinced his teammate was back “on the right path”.

Max Gawn (right) says he is still ‘incredibly close’ to teammate Clayton Oliver after a difficult 18-month period. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“I think we’ve talked about Clayton a lot, in recent times my answer has sort of changed a bit … I’m incredibly inspired by what Clarry is doing right now. He’s a guy who’s had a lot of trouble, and we’ve reported that trouble for 18 months,” Gawn said.

“I’m starting to be inspired by the Clayton Oliver story – he still lets me down from time to time, (but) we’re still incredibly close.

“To see him run out, albeit in a practice match for three quarters against the Tigers’ twos, I hope we’ve got him on the right path and I’m excited for what he can do this year.”

AFL boss Andrew Dillon confirmed Oliver would not receive a league suspension for any reported incidents over the last six months, with the midfielder free to play subject to Melbourne’s approval.

“From an AFL point of view our wellbeing and mental health team have been working with Melbourne, but ultimately, Clayton’s availability for (Opening Round) will be a decision for Clayton and also Melbourne,” he said.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Melbourne captain Max Gawn ‘comfortable’ with early Clayton Oliver return