Troubled AFL star Clayton Oliver returns to the training track

Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver has returned to the training track but continues to remain away from the club as he battles ongoing issues.

Clayton Oliver solo training at Gosch Paddock. Picture: Jason Edwards

Trouble Melbourne star Clayton Oliver is hitting his stride on the training track after going through a session on Monday.

The AFL midfielder continues to remain away from his teammates after taking extended leave as he deals with “personal issues” which contributed to him to leaving a pre-Christmas camp early.

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On Monday the onballer took to Gosch’s Paddock and burned up the track under the scorching sun.

While he wasn’t in mid-season form, the return to the training track will be a major boost for not only the club but fans of the Demons.

SEN’s chief reporter Sam Edmund wrote on X: “Still no return to Melbourne FC for Clayton Oliver, but good signs. He continues to train solidly on his own as per the club program. Big session in the heat today at Gosch’s Paddock and said to be feeling good mentally & physically. Hopefully an official return not far off.”

Clayton Oliver solo training at Gosch Paddock AFL Melbourne Football Club pre-season training. Picture: Jason Edwards

Oliver got to work in the hot conditions. Picture: Jason Edwards

He left it all out on the track. Picture: Jason Edwards

Oliver has yet to train alongside his teammates in 2024 but the club continues to show their support for the game-changing player.

The club has pledged its full support to the 26-year-old and four-time Melbourne best-and-fairest winner and 2021 premiership player has been subject to intense scrutiny since the end of last season.

Oliver left the club’s training camp at Lorne before the Christmas break early and on the advice of medical experts will stay away from the club as he prioritises his health and the complex issues he faces.

“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,” Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson said.

Oliver’s return looks like it’s getting closer. Picture: Jason Edwards

“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.”

A hamstring injury limited Oliver to just 15 games in 2023 before the emergence of other issues which have cast a cloud over his 2024 return.

His name was raised in early trade talk at the end of last season, which was shot down by the club, before he was sent to hospital in an ambulance after a seizure.

The Demons put out a statement from CEO Gary Pert that underlined Oliver’s need to meet certain standards and he also due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 6 after being charged with driving while his licence was suspended on medical grounds after the seizure.

– with NCA Newswire

Originally published as Troubled AFL star Clayton Oliver returns to the training track