Clayton Oliver in fresh AFL trade bombshell as Kane Cornes calls for Melbourne to make hard call
Cornes has called for the Demons to cut ties with the midfielder.
Clayton Oliver's future is looming as a major story of the upcoming AFL trade period after bombshell reports emerged on Monday that Geelong are keen on the services of the Melbourne midfielder. AFL Media reports several clubs are eyeing a potential play for the 27-year-old, who is contracted until the end of 2030 on more than $1 million a season.
The Age has named Geelong as the leading contender for the four-time best and fairest winner, who has once again been linked with a move away from the Demons after a tumultuous last two seasons on and off the field. Before the 2024 season got underway Oliver spent time in hospital following a seizure that resulted in a head injury and took an extended break from the club to deal with a host of personal issues that date as far back as last year.
There were reports ahead of the 2024 season that called his professionalism into question but remarkably despite all the troubles off the field, he managed to return in time for the start of the season. Oliver played 21 games in 2024 before his season was shut down with finals out of reach.
Throughout the Demons' underwhelming campaign, Oliver showed flashes of his brilliant best, but struggled for consistency and battled through a series of injuries. While in the background murmurs of discontent have been a constant. AFL reporter Sam McClure reported in July that Oliver was "clearly up for grabs" with the Crows a leading contender and again reported on Monday that the midfielder has "increasingly felt unwanted at the Demons this year".
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The Cats are reportedly very interested in securing his services although have already committed their first-round pick to a trade for Bailey Smith - who is set to join the club on a six-year deal. Geelong showed strong interest in Oliver this time last year before trade talks were shut down by the Demons and they are reportedly looking for ways to get the deal done this time around.
Oliver is reportedly set to meet with Geelong officials on Tuesday, including chief executive Steve Hocking and football boss Andrew Mackie, to see if they can work out a deal. While Oliver's salary is a major sticking point, Geelong have an exceptional track record of fitting several star players into their total player payments cap.
On top of that the retirement of Tom Hawkins, premiership players Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt were also not given new deals, opening up some space. While Patrick Dangerfield has taken a pay cut under his new contract next season, so the Cats do have room to make a move for Oliver if they so choose.
Kane Cornes urges Melbourne to cut ties with Clayton Oliver
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes it is in the Demons' best interest to find a way to get Oliver's bumper salary off the books even if it means throwing in a draft pick to get a rival club to take on his salary. "He has six years remaining on a contract to Melbourne where his average annual wage exceeds $1 million," Cornes said on SEN Sportsday.
"If I was Melbourne, I would move heaven and earth to get rid of that $6 million off my books. In fact, I said throughout the year I'd give a draft pick if you were prepared to take that contract off Melbourne's hands.
"That's how much I would be prepared to get rid of Clayton Oliver out of my footy club, so you didn't have to deal with it (off-field issues) again, and you free up the salary cap room. Geelong they've been linked to another player in Bailey Smith, so I’m not sure how they do it (trade for Oliver).”
