Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has spoken publicly about the importance of culture and standards just hours after the AFL club announced it would not trade Clayton Oliver.
Oliver’s playing future has been the subject of speculation in the days leading up to Melbourne’s best and fairest on Friday night, as the Devils want the midfielder to improve his attitude and demeanor off the field.
Rival clubs have surrounded Oliver, believing the 26-year-old is available as a trade option despite his long-term contract tying him to Melbourne until 2030.But after days of silence, the Devil pledged to help Oliver deal with his “personal situation.”
The club poured cold water on a potential transaction in a statement on Friday before Goodwin gave his best and fairest view. “Great moments come with great opportunities. We don’t want to talk about our dreams, we want to live them and we want to live them with you,” said Goodwin.
“For all of our players, when you face challenges and ultimately overcome them, it makes the reward at the end of the road more satisfying and fulfilling.
“We have an opportunity right now, an opportunity to exploit injuries. Learn from it and come back stronger. It is in our hands.”
Melbourne have finished in the top four of the rankings in both seasons since their breakthrough at the top in 2021, but crashed out of the final in straight sets each time.
“One thing that has allowed us to continue to present ourselves is our culture, which has been built over a long period of time and which we will maintain and develop,” Mr. Goodwin said. without compromise to achieve ultimate success.” .
“Everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction, and as we head into the end of the season, I have never been more confident that we can achieve this as a club.
“Everyone has a responsibility to maintain their own standards of conduct and I urge all the players here tonight to take advantage of their time off.
“But remember, we’ll dust ourselves off and do it again next year. “It’s about winning more moments. As Ron Barassi famously said, ‘If it’s mine, it’s mine.'”
A four-time best and fairest winner, Oliver is limited to 15 games in a frustrating 2023 season due to a lingering hamstring problem.
His midfield partner Christian Petracca won his second best and fairest award on Friday night.
Goodwin uses the 27-year-old as an example for his teammates.
“Christian is a special player and his commitment to improving his talent and the team is second to none,” said Goodwin. “He works extremely hard on his game and is extremely focused on being the best player and teammate he can be.”
Goodwins comments [ indirectly at Oliver ] are correct , but the facts Are the players do not finish out games as they did when Darren Burgess was the fitness and conditioning coach , they should be looking where they can improve in this area as well .