'Will stuff up again': Demons 'in trouble' as Clayton Oliver's return causes 'tension'
Clayton Oliver's return to the Demons has caused "tension" within the playing group.
Despite a series of off-field incidents throughout 2023, Oliver played in the club's 'Opening Round' loss to the Swans at the SCG last Thursday night.
The 26-year-old took extended personal leave in January after he was sent home early from a pre-season camp after arriving in poor condition.
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In October he was admitted to hospital after a seizure, the cause of which was partially attributed to side-effects of an ADHD medication.
Clayton Oliver of the Demons is tackled by James Rowbottom (left) and Brodie Grundy of the Swans during the 2024 AFL Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and the Melbourne Demons at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 07, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) AFL Photos via Getty Images
A month later, he was pulled over by police and charged with driving on a suspended licence, having had it suspended on medical grounds following the seizure.
Although the club at the time denied the claims, his antics had led to the Demons to explore a trade, with several clubs reportedly expressing an interest in the three-time All Australian.
Against the Swans, he racked up 30 disposals and gained 417 metres.
Veteran AFL reporter Caroline Wilson said the club had assigned Oliver a 'wingman' over fears of another slip-up.
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"I wouldn't say there's a rift at Melbourne, but there was certainly tension among the team and among the senior leaders over Oliver's return to the training group," she said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday.
"[He was] given a wingman within the club to not be a minder as much as a friend, because he needed a friend.
"Then you've got a leader like Max Gawn who gives second chances – he's a tough leader but is a believer in forgiveness.
"Then you've got the (Jack) Vineys, (Christian) Salems and (Christian) Petraccas who have found it a little bit harder to trust Clayton Oliver again, and I can understand that.
Oliver in action during a pre-season match simulation against Richmond at Casey Field. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"There is a view in the Melbourne hierarchy that Clayton Oliver could well stuff up again, in fact probably will.
"But they say that their culture has changed because in the old days, they would never have dropped him. They insist they will now."
Fellow panellist, Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd suggested pushback from senior players should have been enough for the Demons to keep Oliver on the sideline.
"You're already in trouble (if) you've got three or four key players who think he shouldn't have come back," he said.
"They're an amazing watch this year, Melbourne because I reckon they're already behind the eight-ball and you've got different people who think different things about a particular player."
Wilson said the club only included Oliver in the side to face Sydney "after five weeks of truly good behaviour and a complete behavioural change".
"Proof will be in the pudding."
The Demons will face the Bulldogs in round one at the MCG early Sunday afternoon.
The weather bureau has issued a severe heat wave warning for most of Victoria for the weekend.
