Melbourne have taken another blow after a 2024 season to forget, with The Age’s Sam McClure reporting star midfielder Clayton Oliver met with Geelong brass on Tuesday, including football boss Andrew Mackie.
Demons management were reportedly unaware of the 27-year-old’s meeting with the Cats after shutting down talk of a possible trade. However, 12 months ago Oliver was dangled to to rival clubs including Geelong and Adelaide.
A string of off-field incidents have plagued Oliver, who is contracted for six more seasons at an average $1.3 million per season.
“Clayton is an important player for our club and remains a contracted, required member of the team. We look forward to seeing Clayton in the red and blue next year and beyond,” Demons football boss Alan Richardson said in a statement.
Geelong have also been linked with Bulldog Bailey Smith, who has spoken of wanting out of Whitten Oval, as they aim to return to the grand final after a dramatic preliminary final defeat to premiers Brisbane.
Melbourne endured a tough 2024 campaign, finishing 14th on the AFL ladder, eight points back of a finals position after achieving a top-four finish in 2023.
Drama has followed Christian Petracca since his brutal injuries suffered against Collingwood on King’s Birthday, with the midfielder at one stage reportedly desiring a move to one of the powerhouse Melbourne clubs in hopes of enhancing his personal brand.
Since then Petracca has told the club website he is willing to stay.