Clayton Oliver’s future at Melbourne hung in the balance in a meeting with new senior coach Steven King about a “change in role”, and it has now been revealed that the Demons intend to part ways with the 2021 premiership hero.
For the past two years, Oliver has explored moves to Adelaide and Geelong, but has ultimately returned to the Demons after failing to find an acceptable suitor.
The 28-year-old has a monster contract that runs until the end of 2030 attached to him, while his trade value has become murky given the off-field troubles and dip in form of late.
SEN’s Sam Edmund reported that Oliver was summoned to a make-or-break meeting with King that was to determine Oliver’s future at the club, and whether he’s best suited to Melbourne.
9 News’ Tom Morris has since reported that Melbourne have told Oliver he is not guaranteed a spot in the senior team in 2026 and are happy to facilitate a fair trade, should he find a new home, which left Oliver irate.
“Clayton Oliver has been summoned to a meeting today, with new Melbourne coach Stephen King,” Edmund said on AFL Trade Radio.
“There will be a change in role for him. This may not be to Clayton’s liking. At the moment, his immediate playing future is now uncertain.”
“From what I’m told, that may or may not be to Clayton’s liking, and all options are on the table here in terms of him being asked to explore his options, Clayton saying he wants to explore his options.
“At the moment, his immediate playing future is uncertain. He had been largely resolved in his own mind that he wanted to stay at Melbourne for the long term and make it work.
“I’m not sure if that feeling is 100 per cent reciprocated by Melbourne. So that meeting will take place. He’s being summoned there, I’m told, specifically. It’s an open-ended conversation that could go in any direction.”
Melbourne released the following statement.
“Today was a good chance to sit down with Clayton and share how Steven and the coaches see the game being played, and where the opportunities lie for him,” List Manager Tim Lamb said.
“We were upfront with Clayton around the role he is likely to play next season and the need for him to develop his craft beyond the midfield to have his biggest impact within the team.
“It was honest and respectful, and Clayton is now clear on what we see his role being next year, and how we think he can best contribute.
“Clayton is contracted for another five years. If he wants to explore his options in the upcoming AFL Trade Period, we will respect that. Should he remain in the red and blue, we will, of course, continue to support and embrace him as part of our club.”
It comes as the Demons are more than open to orchestrating a trade for fellow premiership teammates Christian Petracca and Steven May, who are also contracted.
Petracca has been strongly linked with Gold Coast and Adelaide, and the club is on board with his desire for a “fresh start”, although it will be in “the best interest” of the Demons.
King has flagged his desire to “work with Christian and coach him”.
“I fully understand the landscape we’re in. I respect Christian’s decisions now to explore his options, but he has got four years left on a contract,” King said on SEN.
“So it would have to be an amazing deal for our footy club for him to move. If things don’t work out for Christian, it’s a fresh start with me and Paul (Guerra) as CEO.
“I’ve got his back around walking back into the club and playing great footy, and I’ll back him in.”
May is locked away for 2026, but has been informed by Melbourne to explore his options if he wants to extend his career beyond the next 12 months.
King also said that May would have to “earn his spot”, whilst also noting a host of young defenders “that are chomping at the bit to get some exposure”.
The Demons have already farewelled Charlie Spargo, who will take up a longer contract at North Melbourne, signing as a free agent.
They are also working through a trade which will see Judd McVee head to Western Australia, with Fremantle his preferred destination.
The trade period will open on Monday, and will run until Wednesday, October 15.
Leave a Reply