'He got sick': Max Gawn hits back at Clayton Oliver critics after star missed 250th game celebrations

Max Gawn has hit back at reports that he and the club were disappointed in Clayton Oliver, for not showing up for the ruckman's 250th game on Sunday against Carlton.

Caroline Wilson reported on Monday that the Demons were upset with Oliver for missing the celebrations, despite being invited.

The midfielder was traded from Melbourne to GWS in the off-season, and was on his bye week over the weekend.

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The reported frustration stems from Oliver being a premiership teammate of Gawn, and the captain's role in mentoring him over the years.

A number of ex-Dees showed up to be part of the celebrations for Gawn, and Tom McDonald who also played game 250.

They included Collingwood star Jeremy Howe, premiership Demon Michael Hibberd, retired ex Hawk, Demon and Giant Sam Frost and former Dee and Bomber Sam Weideman.

But Oliver was nowhere to be seen.

Gawn, however, has shot down Wilson's suggestion of frustration between Oliver and the club, saying the Giant simply came down with a cold.

"He actually changed his flight to come. He was making a massive effort, we were talking all weekend, and he was very proud of me," Gawn said on Triple M's Mick in the Morning.

"He just got sick on Sunday, so he made the right call. (Christian Petracca), Luke Jackson, Oscar McDonald… these guys are on interstate teams, and I stay in touch with them."

Oliver's time at Melbourne ended on a sour note, with new coach Steven King asking him to find a new home in the trade period.

The 28-year-old would end up at GWS, and has started the season in strong form.

Oliver took a sneaky shot at the Dees after a recent win, implying the Giants prepare and train better.

Gawn and his teammates certainly rose to the occasion in the milestone game, outscoring Carlton 99-33 from late in the second quarter to overturn a 43-point deficit and win the match.

The Blues are under extreme pressure in the aftermath, having now been smashed in three straight second halves to start the season, blowing two leads.

But Gawn feels the Dees deserve credit for the comeback, as opposed to Carlton copping criticism for the capitulation.

"I understand the narrative around Carlton, but I'd like to think on the weekend it was our second half which is why we won and not Carlton's fade-out. I get the narrative, but I thought we were pretty good," Gawn said.

Melbourne will now host Gold Coast on the MCG in round four, in what was supposed to be Petracca's return to take on his old club.

Petracca, however, is slated to miss the next month after injuring his hamstring in round two.