Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver named in Demons squad for Tigers pre-season game

After an interrupted pre-season, Clayton Oliver will suit up against the Tigers on Sunday in a match simulation — but not where you would expect.

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA.February 12 , 2024. Melbourne AFL football training at Goschs Paddock. Clayton Oliver of the Demons fends off Koltyn Tholstrup . Pic: Michael Klein

Melbourne superstar Clayton Oliver has been named in the Demons’ squad to take on Richmond in match simulation on Sunday.

But Oliver is set to be with the Demons’ second team against the Tigers at Casey Fields as he looks to take a big step forward to reviving his career after a challenging off-season for the star midfielder.

Oliver rejoined teammates at Demons training three weeks ago and was back in the main group this week after an off-season in which he battled personal issues and been subject to intense scrutiny.

The star midfielder has not featured in any of the Demons’ match simulation at training but if he can get through the hitout against the Tigers it would be a big boost for his chance of featuring in Melbourne’s opening round clash against Sydney.

Clayton Oliver of the Demons fends off Koltyn Tholstrup during pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein

The Demons have named a squad of 31 to take on the Tigers in the seven-period match simulation on Sunday, with Angus Brayshaw out because of illness and Harrison Petty to miss because of a toe contusion.

“Harrison has been experiencing some soreness in his toe, which has meant he hasn’t been able to build up his training loads as we would’ve liked,” Melbourne GM of AFL performance Alan Richardson said.

“He won’t play on Sunday, but we will continue to monitor him in the lead up to our practice match against Carlton.”

Originally published as Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver named in Demons squad for Tigers pre-season game