Melbourne CEO's promising update on Clayton Oliver after tumultuous off-season
Melbourne CEO Gary Pert has given fans a refreshing update on Clayton Oliver, saying the star midfielder is "in a great headspace" despite a tumultuous off-season.
Oliver is currently recovering from a minor knee procedure, but hit the training track earlier than required for Melbourne's pre-season campaign in a welcome sign.
The 26-year-old was hospitalised earlier this year and has endured some well-publicised off-field struggles, but is "100 per cent all in", according to Pert.
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"He wants to be part of something really special," Pert said at Melbourne's annual members footy forum on Tuesday night.
Clayton Oliver pictured playing for Melbourne during the 2023 season Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
Oliver's struggles combined with Joel Smith's ban for testing positive to cocaine has raised major questions on Melbourne's culture, but Pert once again hit back at critics.
"There's been some quite high-profile player incidents in the off-season," he said.
"I want to reassure all Melbourne members and supporters … the culture of the Melbourne FC is very strong and very resilient, and it starts with these guys here (the club's leadership). It's a very strong and aligned culture.
"A strong culture is about calling out when individuals aren't in alignment with the culture, about holding people accountable.
"We will have challenges of people not being in alignment … (but) we'll continue to drive our cultural programs through our leaders.
"I think it is a competitive edge of ours (the culture) and it's being driven by the best group of leaders I've seen.
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"All individuals within our high-performance program will continue to get the expert support they need for their personal needs," he said. "The club is absolutely there to support those individuals."
Melbourne is aiming to bounce back in 2024 after two straight-sets finals exits in the two seasons that have followed their 2021 premiership campaign.
