The AFL’s Silly Season Heats Up as Star Midfielder Weighs His Options
As the AFL’s trade period approaches, one of the league’s top midfielders, Clayton Oliver, is considering his future with Melbourne. Despite having six years remaining on his contract, Oliver met with Geelong officials this week to discuss a potential move. The meeting, held at ruckman Rhys Stanley’s farm, included defender Tom Stewart and other Geelong representatives.
Stewart confirmed the meeting, saying it was an opportunity to showcase Geelong’s culture and values to Oliver. “It was good to meet with him and enlighten him on what we’re about at the footy club,” Stewart said. “We’re always looking to attract top talent, and if we can make it work, that’s what we’re about.”
Any potential deal would likely require Melbourne to contribute to Oliver’s significant salary. Geelong would need to get creative with their trade capital, as their first-round draft pick is expected to be used to secure Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith.
The situation has cast a shadow over Melbourne’s best and fairest awards, set to take place on Friday night. Last year, the club’s president released a statement just hours before the event, assuring members that Oliver would not be traded. However, the midfielder’s struggles with fitness and off-field issues over the past two years have led to uncertainty about his future.
Coach Simon Goodwin has expressed his desire to retain both Oliver and Christian Petracca, who recently committed to the Demons for 2025. The drama surrounding Oliver’s future raises questions about the club’s culture, which was touted as the best in 40 years by president Gary Pert just last year.
Meanwhile, several free agency moves are expected to be finalized as early as Friday, with clubs anxiously awaiting compensation. St Kilda defender Josh Battle is set to join Hawthorn, while GWS pair Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman are bound for Adelaide and Collingwood respectively. The AFL’s silly season is officially underway, and it’s shaping up to be a wild ride.
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