Melbourne Demons star midfielder Clayton Oliver is once again at the centre of trade speculation as rival clubs assess potential moves for the four-time best and fairest winner.
With the AFL trade period set to commence on October 7, interest in the 26-year-old has resurfaced, particularly from Geelong, who had previously shown interest before the Demons shut down any trade discussions last year.
Recent reports from Sam McLure have revealed both parties will meet on Tuesday ahead of trade period commencement, with Geelong CEO Steve Hocking and footy boss Andrew Mackie said to be luring the four-time best & fairest.
Clayton Oliver will meet with Geelong heavyweights on Tuesday, including chief executive Steve Hocking, as the Cats ramp up their effort to lure the star midfielder out of Melbourne. https://t.co/ywB6UQoL3P
— Real Footy (AFL) (@agerealfooty) October 1, 2024
Cats assistant coach Steven King spoke onย Trade Radio, providing his internal view in the rumours swirling.
โI'm not privy to all of the conversations taking place,โ King said.
โWhat I admire about Geelong is that they look at every opportunity to get better and continue to contend.
โIf [Oliver] was something that was on the table, I back Steve Hocking, Andrew Mackie and Chris Scott to make great decisions for our footy club. If Clayton was available, I'm sure that's something we'd look at.
โHe's an outstanding player. He's had some issues that's been well-documented. If those discussions are taking place it'd be quite an exciting opportunity I'm sure.โ
Despite being contracted until the end of 2030 with an annual salary exceeding $1 million, Oliver's situation has become increasingly complicated following a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries, including a severely injured hand that required surgery.
He managed to play 21 games but struggled to maintain his usual performance levels, recording more than 25 disposals only once after round 11. This drop in form has fueled speculation regarding his future with the club.
Sources close to Oliver, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that he has begun to feel unwanted at Melbourne, a sentiment that has intensified as the trade period approaches. However, a third source revealed that the Demons have communicated to industry contacts that they do not intend to trade their star midfielder.
Geelong's potential interest adds another layer to the unfolding drama. The Cats have created room in their salary cap following the retirement of Tom Hawkins and the decision not to renew contracts for premiership players Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt.
With Patrick Dangerfield expected to take a pay cut next season, Geelong may be in a position to make a competitive offer for Oliver if Melbourne is willing to entertain a trade.
Melbourne's off-season has been turbulent, marked by the resignation of club president Kate Roffey and the initiation of an external review, alongside ongoing uncertainty regarding key players.
Forward Alex Neal-Bullen has requested a move to South Australia for personal reasons, while superstar midfielder Christian Petracca reaffirmed his commitment to the Demons for 2025 despite previous frustrations regarding the club's culture.
Despite the swirling trade rumours, Melbourne's management remains firm in their position.
Coach Simon Goodwin declared in August that โClayton Oliver and Christian Petracca will be at the footy club next year. I can guarantee you they will be running around in red and blue jumpers.โ
As the trade window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Geelong intensifies its efforts to secure Oliver or if Melbourne will manage to retain their dynamic midfielder amidst another wave of trade speculation.
