Clayton Oliver’s manager said clubs’ interest in the star midfielder was “genuine” before he and Melbourne found common ground.
Oliver’s future was the talk of the AFL world this week, with rival clubs believing he could be lured out of the Dees amid disagreements over his standards and behaviours.
The Dees confirmed on Friday that Oliver would remain at the club after some robust discussions.
Nick Gieschen, Oliver’s manager, said the week in the spotlight had been difficult for his client.
“It was a meeting, but there is an opportunity to develop from all of this. After many difficult, honest and powerful conversations, it gave him a chance to get something off his chest and time to heal,” he told AFL Media.
“He very much loves the Melbourne Football Club, it’s like his family. He’s grown up there, he feels very strongly about the footy club and the players and coaches, and sometimes families fight but he’s got enormous respect for ‘Goody’ (coach Simon Goodwin) and as much as it’s been challenging I don’t think he can see himself playing under another coach because of all the support he’s had from the footy club.”
Gieschen said other clubs showed “genuine care” towards Oliver and his circumstances when discussing his future.
He admitted the interest in Oliver was “genuine”.
“Obviously it grew a bit of momentum. As the noise grew louder there were a couple of clubs that were proactive and it was genuine,” he said.
“But at the same time it was only ever on the basis of if ‘Clarry’ wanted out or if Melbourne had lost patience with him and they were all very understanding of the situation.
“All were terrific clubs and really respectful and really understanding when it had all settled and it looked like he was going to stay.”
