Demons skipper Max Gawn's hope for gun midfielder Clayton Oliver amid troubles
Melbourne captain Max Gawn is confident teammate Clayton Oliver will return to training this month despite personal issues.
The superstar Demons midfielder left the club's training camp early last month, adding to his tumultuous off-season which included intense trade speculation as well as a brief hospital visit.
Despite the troublesome period, Gawn is hopeful Oliver will return as the "best version" of himself.
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"From the last report, he's going to join in, in and around those January training sessions," Gawn told media on Wednesday.
"Hopefully we get a good version of Clarry (Oliver) for the rest of pre-season."
Gawn confirmed he was still providing support to the 26-year-old.
"I still regularly speak to Clarry," Gawn said.
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"He has his ups and downs, but I'm just excited for him to get back training, get amongst us guys, and hopefully we get a good version of his this year."
Max Gawn says he's supporting Clayton Oliver's journey back to pre-season with Melbourne. Paul Kane via Getty Images
The Demons will face Sydney in the AFL's new Opening Round, to be held a week before round one of the season.
Melbourne will head up to the SCG to play the Swans on Thursday, March 7.
