Oliver’s Position in Melbourne’s Midfield Under a New Regime
Melbourne has, in a subtle but clear shift, suggested that star midfielder Clayton Oliver should explore a trade. A Thursday morning discussion involving Oliver and the Demons’ leadership, including new senior coach Steven King, left the four-time best-and-fairest winner with the impression that he no longer fits into Melbourne’s evolving midfield plans. The club has signaled that Oliver is free to seek another club, marking a rare overt break from the long-held stance that a player of his calibre would remain part of their future.
Oliver, who debuted in 2016 and has playing 205 games for Melbourne, has been a central figure through a period of upheaval at the club. Despite his loyalty and pedigree, the new football leadership—King in the coach’s chair and Paul Guerra as CEO—has been driving a broader cultural reset. The Demons’ stance is not solely about performance; it reflects a concerted effort to overhaul the club’s culture following years of mixed finals fortunes and off-field distractions.
Context: Recent Trade Floats and 2025 Form
This marks the third time Oliver has been floated as a possible trade in the off-season window. Last year, Geelong showed interest and even held talks, proposing a deal in which they would absorb much of Oliver’s significant wage. The Cats’ interest highlighted how highly Oliver is valued across the league, even as his production has fluctuated in recent seasons. In 2025, Oliver’s form has remained solid but without the ceiling he showed in previous campaigns, finishing well down in Melbourne’s best-and-fairest rankings compared with his peak years.
Oliver’s contract runs through 2030, creating a complex market dynamic for any suitor and for Melbourne’s own salary cap strategy. The club has not publicly disclosed how much of Oliver’s wage it would be willing to subsidize in a trade, but the conversation aligns with a broader reassessment under King and Guerra. The Demons are also guiding other players through similar evaluations, signaling a substantial cultural shift rather than a one-player reallocation.
Two Key Teammates Under the Spotlight
Oliver’s potential exit comes amid other personnel movements stirring at Melbourne. Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca has also begun exploring options, although he remains under contract for four more years and is earning a wage similar to Oliver’s. The club’s leadership has indicated openness to Petracca examining his best path forward, further underscoring a reorientation rather than a one-off decision tied to Oliver alone. The interplay between Oliver and Petracca has long defined Melbourne’s midfield star power, and any move will need to account for the club’s on-field fabric.
Where Could Oliver Go? Possible Destinations
The Cats could again emerge as a viable option for Oliver in the right market. Geelong has historically pursued high-caliber midfielders, and while they are chasing different targets, Oliver remains on their potential radar if the financial terms align. Geelong’s focus on players like James Worpel in free agency indicates the trade market remains active and nuanced. Other clubs with interest in Melbourne’s midfield talent have included teams that previously sat on Oliver’s trail, though any decision will hinge on salary, length of contract, and cultural fit.
What This Means for Melbourne and AFL observers
Melbourne’s shift reflects a broader effort to reboot the club’s culture after years of high expectations and mid-to-late-season slumps. The leadership’s stance on Oliver—and on veteran defender Steven May, who has also faced questions—signals a willingness to make hard calls to shape a more cohesive future. For the league, the Oliver scenario underscores how even elite players can be re-evaluated when a club is pursuing a new direction under a refreshed leadership team.
Next steps
As negotiations and trade talk intensify, Melbourne will navigate how best to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term cultural goals. Oliver will consider his options in a market where several clubs will weigh the financial implications of a potential deal. Fans should expect a busy off-season as Melbourne tests the market, and Oliver weighs the best path forward for his career.
