Melbourne captain Max Gawn is confident his club's culture is able to "withstand adversity" after questions were raised about the Demons following recent indignities.
This week, utility player Joel Smith was placed under an immediate provisional suspension after a drug test from late into the season came back positive for an illicit substance.
The matter followed circling speculation and concerns for superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver, who had been the centre of crisis talks at the club prior to a medical episode that left him in hospital following a seizure.
Oliver had been linked to the exit door during the recent trade period despite being contracted for the next seven seasons, with a meeting between the four-time best and fairest winner and coach Simon Goodwin allowing the club to express their concerns for his attitude and well-being.
The 26-year-old has been staying with Gawn, who has looked to help Oliver during a difficult time. Speaking toย 7 News,ย the Demons captain said Oliver is progressing well and has the needed support around him.
"I'm in pretty good dialogue with him," Gawn said.
"We talk every day and he's been at my house for a while, so I think Clayton is going really well.
"I understand that the noise that is coming about Clayton could really bring someone down, but I feel that the support he's got around him will help him get through it."
Gawn noted the unwanted headlines surrounding the club aren't what Melbourne stands for but believes "most clubs" are required to deal with similar circumstances.
The premiership captain remains "very bullish" that the Demons' culture will help them through this period and keep them on track for premiership contention once again in 2024.
"There's been some stuff over the past few weeks, but I feel this happens at most clubs," he added.
"There's adversity here, adversity there. Obviously, our adversity has all come at once.
"I'm certainly very bullish on the culture we've built over the last three or four years, and that it can withstand adversity like this and we're able to get into the top four again like last three years."
Melbourne finished fourth on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season this year before suffering successive finals defeats to bow out in straight sets.
