Melbourne have rubbished rumours surrounding superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver's absence from selection.
Oliver has not played since his side's Round 10 loss to Port Adelaide, with a hamstring strain also keeping the four-time best and fairest winner sidelined for Melbourne's following matches against Fremantle and Carlton.
The Demons ball winner would then miss a crucial King's Birthday clash with Collingwood due to a troublesome blister that hospitalised Oliver days prior to the blockbuster match.
Oliver was expected to be named for this week's clash with Geelong following the club's Round 14 bye, however the Demons didn't name the 25-year-old due to fitness concerns, meaning Oliver's absence was extended to a minimum of four matches.
The circumstances had prompted sinister rumours to spread across social media ahead of the clash between Melbourne and Geelong, with Demons football boss Alan Richardson forced to address the false accusations.
Speaking to 9 News, Richardson dispelled the rumours, stressing Oliver's injury could continue to keep the midfielder out of action.
"To suggest he's missing games for any reason other than injury is laughable, but given we're talking about a young fella it's really disappointing," Richardson said.
"We're frustrated he's not playing. He's equally frustrated.
"He's no certainty next week. He's got scans tomorrow. It's gone from being hopeful to play this game (against Geelong) to just not quite getting there
"It'd be hard not to be (affected by the rumours). Some of them are quite scathing."
Melbourne are scheduled to face GWS, St Kilda and Brisbane in their three matches after their Round 15 clash with Geelong.