Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has publicly addressed his near trade to Geelong last year, revealing his struggles over the past 18 months and admitting he “wasn’t the best teammate” during this tumultuous period. Now 27, Oliver has faced considerable challenges since playing a pivotal role in the Demons’ 2021 AFL premiership victory.
Following fluctuations in his form and personal issues, speculation grew about a potential trade at the end of 2023. Reports suggested the Demons were entertaining offers for him, prompting Oliver to meet with Geelong officials to discuss his future with the club. In a media briefing, he recalled being informed about being on the trade table, acknowledging the situation and his performance: “I get paid a fair bit to play football and perform at a high level and I wasn’t doing that,” he stated.
The trade drama unfolded during the 2024 trade period, capturing significant media attention until Melbourne’s list boss Tim Lamb addressed the situation in a tense press conference. A pivotal moment came when Oliver received an emotional phone call from Demons president Brad Green, which made him feel valued and wanted within the club. “It was probably the first time I had felt like that,” Oliver expressed, appreciating the support from top management amidst his personal challenges.
Acknowledging his past shortcomings, he reflected on his role within the team, stating, “I wasn’t the best teammate or best person at the club.” He recognised the expectations of competing for premierships and how underperformance from key players can affect team dynamics. However, Oliver asserted his happiness to remain at Melbourne, stating, “It didn’t happen and I’m very happy to be at Melbourne.”
Recently, he showcased his potential during a pre-season match against Fremantle, finishing with 28 disposals and three goals, signalling a positive outlook for the upcoming season.