Adelaide and Geelong confirmed they had considered a trade approach for Clayton Oliver, however Melbourne and Oliver remain committed to each other after a challenging week
ADELAIDE and Geelong confirmed they were among the clubs exploring a top-flight move for Melbourne star Clayton Oliver before Melbourne called off talks late last week.
AFL.com.au revealed last week that clubs were considering whether to play Oliver and considering how much the cost of a trade trial would be for the four-time club champion, who has endured a difficult season in 2023.
It was later revealed that the Demons challenged Oliver for his professionalism, with the club confirming in a statement that they had been aware of and supported Clayton in his personal circumstances for some time and were committed to continuing to do so. While Melbourne never entered into trade talks with a rival club or tabled a bid for Oliver himself, the Crows and Cats each confirmed they were considering a move for the star midfielder.
“We looked at everything carefully. I often talk about being open for business and here we are open for business,” Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie told Continental Tires AFL Trade Radio on Monday.
“You look at a lot of different players and options to add to your roster. He’s a player that would do that.”
Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said the Crows were also exploring what a trade for Oliver might look like, although their discussions were short-lived. “Not too far,” he said when asked on Continental Tires’ AFL Trade Radio program how far the discussions had progressed. “It was between Melbourne and Clayton, so obviously you’re looking at certain things. But if the other side isn’t ready to be a participant, you move on pretty quickly.”
Melbourne shut down any prospect of Oliver leaving late last week in a message to members from chief executive Gary Pert, who said: “At no stage has the club entered discussions with any club regarding a trade for Clayton. Furthermore, Clayton has not requested a trade and will remain at the Melbourne football club”.
Coach Simon Goodwin then made a pointed reference at the club’s culture at its best and fairest and said the Demons would be “uncompromising” in maintaining and building that culture while driving standards.
Speaking on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio on Monday, Demons list manager Tim Lamb said the club was “in a really good spot” with Oliver following the challenging week of trade talk.
“We’re committed to Clayton, Clayton’s committed to us, and he’ll be a Melbourne player,” Lamb said.
“Clayton and Simon have an unbelievable relationship and always have and always will have. Clayton knows how much the club love and support him, and his commitment to us is unwavering. ”
In other potential trade deals involving Melbourne, Lamb confirmed that key position player Harrison Petty would remain at Melbourne next year, while the club was hopeful deals for Adelaide forward Shane McAdam and Brisbane tall Tom Fullarton would be thrashed out.
The list boss was tight-lipped on what picks could be involved to facilitate ruckman Brodie Grundy’s move to Sydney. The Demons were open to contracted midfielder James Harmes moving for more opportunity.
