Oliver trade talks reportedly cool after Dees bosses meet: AFL trade news

“Rival clubs [are] still monitoring the situation, waiting for any sign of movement.”

Melbourne’s hierarchical leaders are said to have met and discussed the future of criticised midfielder Clayton Oliver, whose future with the Demons is presently in doubt.

The dynamic midfielder, who was instrumental in Melbourne’s drought-breaking premiership success in 2021, has been the subject of trade speculation this week.

While Oliver’s current contract keeps him in Melbourne until at least 2030, recent speculation suggests his time as a Demon may be coming to an end, with club executives said to be dissatisfied with the onballer’s lack of professionalism and respect for staff members this season.

However, despite the heating up of movement talks in recent days, they appear set to cool down in the ones following, with Seven Chief Football Reporter Mitch Cleary stating on Thursday night that, following a Melbourne board meeting, chances of a trade have deflated somewhat.

“Those board discussions from a Melbourne sense have really taken the heat out of Oliver needing to be traded,” Cleary reported on Thursday evening.

“Now, the ball is firmly in his (Oliver’s) court as to whether he wants to remain a Demon. Does he fully commit to the demands set out for greater professionalism and attitude by the club after he was hit between the eyes in recent days? Or, does he continue to make noises of a trade elsewhere?

“Rival clubs, including Adelaide, [are] still monitoring the situation, waiting for any sign of movement. For now, [is] Oliver happy to see out his seven years remaining in red and blue.”

Whether or not Oliver leaves this offseason, Melbourne is likely to have a slew of off-season transactions to handle.

Ruckman Brodie Grundy appears destined for the Harbour City, while midfielder James Harmes’ Demons future is uncertain, and wantaway Crow Shane McAdam is anxious to join the club this year.

Meanwhile, despite alleged competitor interest, the Dees want to keep forward Harrison Petty and defender Adam Tomlinson.