Troubled Demon closes on return
A few trademark bursts from the middle and positive body language in a VFL hitout on Wednesday paint another promising picture for Melbourne gun Clayton Oliver as he tries to prove himself for opening-round selection.
Oliver missed much of the club’s preseason as he spent time away to deal with personal issues, but trained on his own to ensure he was as close to physically ready as possible before the season’s start next week.
As part of a Demons’ plan to set Oliver up for “a really strong and successful season”, he played with the club’s VFL side in a clash with Carlton’s VFL team at Ikon Park.
Melbourne ran out convincing 29point winner.
It marked Oliver’s second hitout with the VFL team, having also played against Richmond 10 days ago, and the four-time club best and fairest emerged unscathed.
Having already rejoined the main training group, the game marked another huge step for Oliver in his bid for early-season selection.
Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson said all of Oliver’s recent progress had been positive.
“Clayton has been tracking really well, which, first and foremost, is great to see,” Richardson said.
“He’s been working on building his fitness back up, but also getting himself up to speed on game plan structures and specifics.
“We want to set Clayton up for a really strong and successful season so will continue to work accordingly to give him the best opportunity to achieve this.”
Carlton’s Zac Williams also produced a positive first outing in his comeback from an ACL injury he suffered on the eve of the 2023 season, during which he only played nine games after rupturing his achilles tendon early in the year.
“It was good to be out there,” Williams said.