Clayton Oliver charged by police as tumultuous off-season continues

A Melbourne Demons star has reportedly been charge and will face court in the New Year as his year from hell gets even worse.

Clayton Oliver will face court for driving without a licence. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has reportedly been charged by Victoria Police and will face court for driving on a suspended licence.

Seven News’ Mitch Cleary reported on Friday Oliver had been caught behind the wheel of a car despite being banned from driving for medical reasons.

Watch Australia vs Pakistan on Kayo Sports. Every Test match Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

The 26-year-old was hospitalised in October after suffering a seizure and was instructed not to drive.

He recently returned to pre-season training but will now have to front court in early January in the latest chapter of a disastrous few months.

The Demons said in a statement: “Clayton advised the club immediately following an incident where Victoria Police stopped him for driving while his license was suspended on medical grounds.

“This was in relation to the time he spent in the hospital following a seizure. As the matter is before the court, the Club won’t be making any further comment at this stage.”

The premiership player and four-time club champion endured his first long-term injury struggles this year as he battled hamstring niggles and a foot infection.

He played just 15 games in 2023 as Melbourne were eliminated from the AFL finals in a second consecutive straight sets exit.

Clayton Oliver will face court next year. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The star midfielder had a tumultuous off-season — mentioned in shock trade speculation amid rumours the Demons weren’t impressed with his level of professionalism.

The Herald Sun also reported Oliver had been accused of a bizarre act of messing with car windscreen wipers.

The claim made against Oliver relates to an off-season training session in Yarra Park, next to the MCG, where he was accused of bending windscreen wipers on parked cars in a side street.

Footage also surfaced of Oliver kicking in a wall at a house party.

Oliver is contracted until 2030 and is one of the club’s highest-paid players and immediately became the subject of interest from several clubs when speculation about his future at Melbourne intensified.

According to reports, the Demons had earlier given Oliver an “ultimatum” that he would be shown the door if his behaviour off the field did not improve.

Clayton Oliver (right) has had an off-season from hell. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Oliver had recently moved in with Demons captain Max Gawn and his wife.

Oliver was in attendance at Melbourne’s best and fairest awards night earlier in October where several teammates admitted there had been some concerns over Oliver throughout the season.

“Obviously we‘ve had some challenges with Claz (Oliver) this year,” co-captain Jack Viney told Nine News.

“But we‘re really passionate about putting our arms around him and supporting him and we want him a part of this football club.

“He‘s one hell of a player and a much loved player in the team.”

Originally published as Clayton Oliver charged by police as tumultuous off-season continues