Melbourne Signals a Change for Clayton Oliver
Melbourne has effectively told star midfielder Clayton Oliver to seek another club after a Thursday morning discussion that outlined how he no longer fits into the Demons’ evolving midfield plans. The talks, attended by new senior coach Steven King and other club leaders, marked a blunt moment in a club recalibrating its culture as part of a broader rebuild.
A History of Trade Floats and a Shifting Landscape
Oliver, a four-time best-and-fairest winner with 205 games since his 2016 debut, had publicly voiced a desire to stay. Yet this post-season marks the third time the Demons have floated Oliver as a potential trade. Last off-season, Geelong showed interest and even met with Oliver, offering to absorb much of his then-six-year deal, which averaged around $1.3 million a season. Melbourne, however, found that outline unacceptable at the time.
New Leadership, Harder Line
The club’s leadership change—Steven King taking the helm as senior coach and Paul Guerra stepping in as CEO—has brought a more hard-headed stance on not only Oliver but also defender Steven May. The shift mirrors a broader cultural overhaul the club has signaled since the end of an era that included the 2021 premiership run and the following finals drought.
Other Players in Play and the Bigger Picture
Notably, the landscape around star midfielders continues to evolve. Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca has also been given the Demons’ blessing to explore options and has met with Adelaide and Gold Coast in recent days. Petracca is on a lengthy deal, with a pay scale similar to Oliver’s, further complicating any balance-sheet math for a potential trade.
Wage, Shares, and What Could Be Shared
The club would not disclose what proportion of Oliver’s substantial wage would be covered in a trade. Oliver had previously indicated a willingness to take a pay cut should the right move present itself, though any decision would depend on the receiving club’s structure and the Demons’ willingness to negotiate.
Cats, Culture, and the Road Ahead
The Geelong Cats remain a possible option for Oliver, though the Cats would need to navigate wage ballast and other moving parts, including their interest in Hawks onballer James Worpel in free agency. Melbourne’s broader plan includes the ongoing reshaping of the playing list—Judd McVee has requested a trade to Fremantle, and Charlie Spargo is moving to North Melbourne in free agency—signaling a wider culture reset.
Oliver’s Legacy and the Long Road Forward
Oliver’s status and value within the league are complex, given his star status and substantial contract. The 2024–25 seasons have seen a dip in disposals, though Oliver remains a premier midfielder when at his best. The club’s leadership insists the move is about building a fresh, resilient environment capable of sustained success. For Oliver, the coming weeks will determine whether the next chapter is with another AFL club or a new Melbourne era that requires players of his calibre in new roles.
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