Clayton Oliver is still holding out hope of getting to Geelong, even willing to cop a pay cut to get the deal done.
Plus the latest on the contentious multi-club talks surrounding Dan Houston.
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OLIVER HAPPY COPPING PAY CUT IN LAST-DITCH CATS BID
Melbourne star Clayton Oliver is reportedly happy to take a pay cut to fit in at Geelong, as he holds out hope of being traded there despite his club’s repeated denials.
The Age reports both a Cats source and a source at Oliver’s management had confirmed he would accept a reduction in his deal, which runs until the end of 2030 on an average of $1.3 million, to get the trade done.
Oliver spent the last week back home around Shepparton, which is where former Geelong and Melbourne player Shannon Byrnes is also from.
Byrnes is reportedly playing a key role in the Oliver move. He was a player development manager at Melbourne on route to the 2021 flag, having a strong relationship with the midfielder, before being brought back to Geelong where he has been pushing for Oliver as a target.
Demons list manager Tim Lamb said earlier this week Oliver would not be traded and interim president Brad Green said Oliver would be part of the team’s Round 1 midfield in 2025 at the club champion awards.
Geelong is believed to be willing to use its future first-round pick in the deal.
LATEST ON BIG HOUSTON SWAP
One of the biggest moves of the trade period is likely to drag into next week with Dan Houston keen to sign a six-year deal at Collingwood.
The dual All-Australian wants to get to Victoria and is believed to prefer the Magpies over Carlton.
But the Suns’ disinterest in trading for Pies defender John Noble and a future first in exchange for both picks 13 and 23 is making things difficult.
The Suns do not want to give up pick 23 as well, meaning other clubs could still gain access to pick 13, like Carlton – who have offered their future first and second-round picks – and North Melbourne – who have offered their juicy future first.
The Magpies need to land pick 13 from the Suns so they can trade it to Port Adelaide in exchange for Houston.
AFL Media reports the teams are at a stalemate, with Collingwood hoping to keep a solid pick in this year’s draft while also adding Houston (thus their interest in pick 23), while the Power want to get into the 2024 draft over taking a future pick for Houston.
They also need to use their own future first in a trade for Jack Lukosius.
The Kangaroos remain interested in Houston and coach Alastair Clarkson reportedly met with the halfback recently.
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