Those watching Clayton Oliver this year would know he's been down on his usual output.
Oliver's past 12 months have been well documented, facing several off-field issues as well as injury and health matters that have clearly hindered his ability to perform.
As a result, Melbourne reportedly discussed at length with the 27-year-old what his future would need to look like and the expectations of being a Demons player.
It went on to show rival clubs showing interest in the three-time All-Australian, inclusive of Geelong and Adelaide, with the latter's hat being thrown in the ring once again.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Speaking onย Channel 9'sย Footy Classified, Sam McClure believes there could be a chance of Oliver departing Melbourne at season's end, despite being in the first year of his lucrative seven-year contract.
โI think he's clearly up for grabs. If he's going to leave Melbourne, which is an if at this stage, it will be to the Adelaide Crows,โ McClure said.
โThis is a complicated one. Adelaide have made it very clear to the rest of the competition that their first pick is up for grabs - that's not saying it'll absolutely be for Clayton Oliver.
โAs we sit here tonight, I don't know Melbourne are over the hump with saying they absolutely want to let go of Clayton Oliver.
โThere's frustration and tension building between the two parties, Clayton Oliver is frustrated about lately starting on the bench, this new role that he's been given, he doesn't think he's being utilised the best way he can be. He's on six years at more than $1.1 million (a season).
โI think there'll be a conversation with all parties at the end of the year ... but if he's going to go to the Crows, the Crows aren't paying all of that money.
โSo it'll be hard to sell to Melbourne members and people that we are trading Clayton Oliver oh and by the way, for the remainder of that deal we're paying a fair chunk of it.โ
Elsewhere, Crows CEO Tim Silvers was adamant that the club will be looking to improve its list but denied speaking on contracted players on 3AW last Friday.
โWe're all about making our list better," Silvers said.
โI don't want to comment on any players but we need to improve our list. We're looking at different potentials at the moment.โ
Despite the heavy loss to Fremantle, Oliver and the Demons are still well within the hunt for finals in 2024.
With five rounds remaining, Melbourne sit two points off Essendon, who are eighth, but one victory away from GWS in fifth.
