Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney expects Clayton Oliver to stay put, despite multiple reports indicating his desire to depart at season's end.
Oliver has been embroiled in consistent speculation over his future in the past two years, with both Adelaide and Geelong considering making moves in trade periods gone by.
The 27-year-old missed the club's victory in Perth against West Coast in Round 8, flagging the need to step away and prioritise his wellbeing, but was seen at training on Tuesday.
"'Clars' was back in today, and he looked back to his old self. He just needed to take a bit of time to look after himself," Viney said at the Big Freeze 11 launch.
"Clayton was there today, full training, and we expect him to train fully on Thursday."
Melbourne is hopeful that Oliver will return for the crunch clash with Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG, after successfully turning a 0-5 start to record three consecutive wins.
But in terms of his future beyond 2025, Viney doesn't see him going anywhere.
"I expect him to, yes โ he's a terrific teammate".
Melbourne president Brad Green has hit out at the media over the consistent reporting, suggesting that journalists should leave Oliver alone.
"The treatment and talk around Clayton is an absolute disgrace," Green posted.
The treatment and talk around Clayton is an absolute disgrace. The โfootball Journalistโsโ have no integrity. Grow up and leave the kid alone. They wonder why they have personal struggles and have to have a week off. pic.twitter.com/EeZ98kJLBg
โ Brad Green (@bradgreen18) May 6, 2025
"The "football Journalist's" have no integrity. Grow up and leave the kid alone. They wonder why they have personal struggles and have to have a week off."
