Demons sweating on star’s fitness

Clayton Oliver’s teammate says the star midfielder is doing all that he can to be fit to face Fremantle as the Demons await the results of scans on his hamstring.

The 25-year-old (pictured) hurt his left hamstring in the third quarter of Melbourne’s loss to Port Adelaide on Friday night and underwent a scan on Sunday.

He managed to gather 15 second-half disposals despite the injury to be one of his side’s best in the four-point defeat.

Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy said Oliver, who has missed only one game in the past six seasons due to a broken thumb, would be working hard to play against the Dockers at the MCG on Saturday despite concerns he could miss a month.

“He’s under a bit of a cloud at the moment. I’m not sure what that looks like but I suppose that will play out today (or) tomorrow with the medical staff,” Grundy said.

“He’s a quality player, a very special player. Coming to the club he’s someone that I’ve been so impressed with his diligence. He’s someone that will be here (at the club) … and will be here until sundown. He’s very durable and will be doing everything he can to get up.”

Bayley Fritsch was also sent for a scan on Monday, with the Demons yet to confirm whether the forward is battling an injury concern.

Grundy said he was not aware of any issues for Fritsch, who has 20 goals in nine games this season.

He said Oliver would have a big influence on how the Demons worked on their defensive performance as a midfield group after the Power managed to kick five goals from chains starting at stoppages in their backline.

“We were able to respond and wrestle back some of the momentum, but there are some clear learnings for us,” Grundy said.

Grundy added that Oliver was “a massive part of having success around stoppage, so we hope he’s available”.