Demons’ Oliver out to atone for ‘stinker’ AFL season

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Demons’ Oliver out to atone for ‘stinker’ AFL season

Clayton Oliver has his sights set on atoning for a “stinker” of an AFL season and is bullish about Melbourne’s chances of success next year.

Oliver will remain with the Demons after the door was shut on a potential trade to Geelong, following meetings between the star midfielder and Cats players and officials earlier this month.

The 27-year-old, who has six years left to run on his lucrative contract, insists he is now focused on his preparation for 2025 under Dees coach Simon Goodwin.

“It’s alright … (I just had) a chat with people,” Oliver told reporters at Caulfield racecourse on Saturday when quizzed about the ******* Geelong move.

“Melbourne are looking good. We will have a big year (in 2025).

“I’m keen to get back (to training).”

Melbourne slid dramatically last season and missed the top eight, after consecutive straight-sets finals exits that followed their famous 2021 premiership.

But the Demons have two top-10 draft picks to use next month and could climb back up the ladder if the likes of Oliver and fellow flag-winning star ********** Petracca get back to their best.

“We were there a couple of years ago,” Oliver said.

“We fell short 2022 and 2023, last year we had Gussy (Angus) Brayshaw retire, Trac (********** Petracca) got injured, I had a stinker of a year, Maysy (Steven May) was a little bit off.”

Oliver played 21 games for Melbourne in 2024 but averaged just 23.2 disposals – his lowest output since his debut season in 2016.

It came amid a highly-publicised battle with injuries and off-field issues over the past 18 months.

But Oliver said he is in good shape ahead of a return to pre-season training next month.

He plans to report early for duty on November 11 with the Demons’ younger players.

“I’m alright now,” Oliver said.

“I got my hand fixed up, I got a metal plate taken out.

“My knee is all good. I had a couple of broken ribs. I’m all fixed up.”

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