Melbourne president Brad Green has declared that wantaway midfielder Clayton Oliver isn't going anywhere despite being linked with a move to Geelong.
For the second successive year, Oliver's name has been thrown up as a trade prospect if the right deal can be struck.
Holding another six years worth around $8 million, both Adelaide and the Cats have considered a move for the star.
Oliver met with Geelong's Rhys Stanley and Tom Stewart earlier in the week, and it's understood that a move to Kardinia Park is desired.
However, at the club's best and fairest count, Green revealed what the 2025 midfield group will look like in the opening round of the season.
โI know come Round 1 next year when I see the first ball bounced and our midfield of Gawn, Viney, Oliver and Petracca, and our first clearance, that you Melbourne faithful will be there in full force," Green said.
The Oliver saga is yet another citation on the club's year from hell, beginning with Joel Smith's provisional ban for testing positive for a banned substance.
The medical retirement of Angus Brayshaw struck a cord amongst the competition but left a gaping hole in the club both on and off the field.
Christian Petracca, like Oliver, considered a trade to a rival club due to the mismanagement of his severe spleen and rib injury sustained during the King's Birthday clash.
While the departures of Kate Roffey, Greg Stafford, Andrew McQualter, Jim Plunkett and Alex Neal-Bullen add further salt to the wound.
Not to mention the annual Kysaiah Pickett go-home epic that has Fremantle and Port Adelaide weighing up moves.
All resulting in an external review headed by All Blacks leadership guru Darren Shand.
Green admitted that the turbulence experienced by the club has rocked the boat but believes the Demons are being realigned to the successful route.
โOn and off the field, we haven't achieved the results we wanted,โ Green said.
โI know everyone who loves this club wants answers.
โWe have two important reviews underway, and they are both focused on making us better, they will be thorough, they will leave no stone unturned, and they will set the path for the future.
โAs a player, I lived through some incredibly tough times, as a board member, I have been through the best, but right now, we're not in the best position, but we're certainly not in the worst either.
โThis is a strong club with great players, great people, and we are within touching distance of being back to our best.
โWe will realign ourselves, and together, we will take this club back to where it belongs.โ
