Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has lauded his side’s culture and warned the club will be “uncompromising” in maintaining it, just hours after the Dees finally eased fears Clayton Oliver could be traded this off-season.
The club confirmed on Friday that Oliver would remain at the club in 2024, with the Herald Sun reporting the 26-year-old agreed to address issues with his professionalism and off-field standards.
At the club’s best and fairest awards on Friday night, Goodwin made direct reference to the side’s culture when forecasting the road ahead for the 2021 premiers
“One thing that has enabled us to keep showing up is our culture,” he said.
“A culture that has been built over a period of time and is the piece that we will be uncompromising in maintaining and building further to achieve the ultimate success.
“Everyone,” he said before pausing, “needs to be heading in the same direction. As we head into the off-season, I’ve never been more confident that we can achieve this as a club.”
Goodwin added shortly after: “It’s up to everyone to keep driving standards and I urge every player here tonight to enjoy the break.
“But remember, we will be dusting ourselves off and going again next year.”
Oliver attended the function and was on hand to see teammate Christian Petracca win the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career.
Speaking ahead of the event, veteran Jack Viney admitted there had been some concerns over Oliver throughout the season.
“Obviously we‘ve had some challenges with Claz (Oliver) this year,” he told Nine News.
“But we‘re really passionate about putting our arms around him and supporting him and we want him a part of this football club.
“He‘s one hell of a player and a much loved player in the team.”
