Clayton Oliver dominates against Dogs after ‘tough couple of months’

The Dees claimed their first win of 2024 after a turbulent off-season and superstar Clayton Oliver says he still has work to do to repay the faith of his club, even after a spectacular performance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 17: Clayton Oliver of the Demons is seen during the 2024 AFL Round 01 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 17, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Clayton Oliver has spoken of his difficult pre-season after racking up 35 disposals in Melbourne’s win over the Bulldogs.

The Demons surged to a 45-point victory over the Bulldogs in a scary reminder of how damaging the premiership contender can be.

Oliver, who started the match on the bench before collecting the most disposals in the game, said he was still working on being “a better person, a better teammate”.

“It’s been a tough couple of months, but ‘Gawny’ and the rest of the boys helped me out,” he said on Fox Footy.

“I feel all right, ticking along and hopefully get better every week.”

Oliver left Melbourne’s pre-season camp in January due to personal issues, while he was hospitalised in December following a medical episode. He took several weeks away from the club before returning on the eve of the season.

Asked if he had repaid the faith of the club with his performance, Oliver said: “Absolutely not. I’ve still got a lot of work to do, little steps along the way.”

Oliver was at his best in the Dees’ first win of 2024. Pic: Michael Klein

Oliver received a standing ovation from Demon fans when he went to the bench late in the game.

His captain Max Gawn, who dominated in the clash with 26 disposals and 35 hit outs, said Oliver was repaying the faith the club had in him.

“It’s been noted about how much the Melbourne faithful are behind ‘Clarry’,” Gawn said on Fox Footy.

“I think what we see from Clayton is that he’s had such a tormentil little period but he’s running into 50, going into goal and he passes off to Jacob (van Rooyen), he’s still playing that unselfless role.

“I’m excited for the best version of Clayton this year.”

Oliver endured a tough off-season. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Coach Simon Goodwin said there were doubts Oliver would return to this matchwinning level of football, however the star midfielder was committed to the process.

“You just watch him in awe,” he said.

“He’s committed to it, and he’s just come back a healthy, happy person that’s committed to his training and his team.

“I think everyone had doubts (he could return to his best), I’m pretty sure Clayton had doubts.

“There were no guarantees three months ago about where this would end up, but right now we sit here with Clayton in a great spot and you see the love that our supporters have for him.”

Originally published as Clayton Oliver dominates against Dogs after ‘tough couple of months’