Melbourne star Clayton Oliver could be facing more time on the sidelines after walking off Casey Fields with a trainer after failing to complete multiple conditioning tests to ensure his fitness after the club held hopes he would be cleared to play in Round 17.
Oliver did not train with the main group on Wednesday, otherwise focusing on his hamstring issues after injuring it back in Round 10 against Port Adelaide, an ailmnt which has kept him out since.
His return was expected to be this weekend, however multiple reports have revealed that Oliver did not make it through training.
Melbourne have missed Oliver, with the Demons winning only two of their last six games, with the four losses coming from small margins. However, the poor stretch of form from the last six games has opened an opportunity for St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Crows, and Essendon to all make a charge for a top-four spot.
Their most recent loss came against the Giants in Alice Springs, which has usually proven to be a strong ground for the Demons, and it could be the game that losses Melbourne's top-four position come season's end.
In a press conference prior to Demons training on Wednesday, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirmed that the club's midweek session was crucial for Oliver.
"He's got one session to get through," Goodwin said. "It's a fingers crossed moment.
"He's got the one really important session to get through today, and we are really hopeful that he's put in an enormous block of work."
Footage of Oliver's session at Casey Fields emerged on Wednesday afternoon, with a heated discussion between the Demons star and a Melbourne trainer caught by 7 News.
No word has been released from the club in regard to Oliver leaving training early, with the star midfielder now expected to miss out on another game for the Demons, who play St Kilda on Saturday night.
Oliver currently averages 33 disposals from his 10 matches played, with five goals kicked in 2023.