'They're not true': Simon Goodwin says Clayton Oliver 'frustrated' by absence-sparked rumours
Demons coach Simon Goodwin has hit back at suggestions frustrations with the club were behind Clayton Oliver's absence from the side's win over the Eagles
A statement from the Demons last week said Oliver would miss the match following a "difficult week personally".
His absence sparked rumours he was unhappy with a perceived lack of game time and yet more speculation he could be on the move at season's end.
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Clayton will make his return for the Demons' blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
On Thursday, Goodwin was asked if he himself was frustrated by the speculation.
Clayton Oliver is comforted by Steven May. Getty
"It's more important that Clayton finds them frustrating," he said.
"That's the biggest thing ... they're not true. He hasn't got resentment, he's not upset about game time ... he's really content and happy.
"A lot of those things were dealt with previously, at the end of last season.
"He's in a really good space and that mindset of wanting to be the best teammate he can possibly be. That's where the frustration comes."
Goodwin said Oliver was given "some great medical advice" to not make the trip west, and it was "pretty obvious" he needed a break.
He suggested he may need another break later in the year.
"We're really proud he put his hand up and was able to take that time," he said.
"What we've seen so far in the last few days is a refreshed Clayton. He's keen to get back into it.
"He's been on a journey for a long time and more often than not, things have been progressing forward. But there will be times when we just need to take a breath and go back a step - so we go forward now."
In the pre-season, Oliver pushed for a release to Geelong, and even met with several Cats players on Rhys Stanley's farm.
Oliver signed a bumper seven-year deal with Melbourne in June 2022.
