Melbourne superstar Clayton Oliver has been given extended leave from the club and did not return for pre-season training for personal reasons.
The midfielder battled a hamstring injury throughout the 2023 season and was in dispute with club over how it was treated.
The Demons considered putting him on the trade table, effectively out of frustration with his off-field behaviour with concerns over his professionalism, before being hospitalised after a seizure a few weeks later.
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He left the club’s Lorne training camp, held in December, early and is also facing a court hearing over driving with a license that was suspended on medical grounds.
Demons General Manager of AFL Performance Alan Richardson said the club would allow Oliver to focus on his wellbeing.
“Clayton has personal issues that he has been dealing with. Clayton has been working extremely closely with his personal medical team, and with the support of key club staff, in order to manage these challenges,” Richardson said.
“The club fully supports Clayton taking this important time out which will allow him to focus on these challenges.
“Our primary focus is Clayton’s overall wellbeing, and we will continue to support him through this period.
“It’s important for Clayton that we respect his privacy and his need for time and space.”
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