Melbourne is expected to have a second star midfielder up for trade, with Clayton Oliver expected to be told to explore a trade away from the club.
This comes just two days after the Demons confirmed 2021 Norm Smith winner and star midfielder Christian Petracca wanted a fresh start elsewhere, with Adelaide and Gold Coast the two frontrunners.
According to journalists Tom Morris and Sam Edmund, Oliver's future at the club is uncertain, with a meeting with the midfielder and new coach Steven King expected to bring clarity about his future at the club.
Edmunds reported on AFL Trade Radio that the midfielder will be told that he will have a different role at the Demons next year, which may prompt the midfielder to request a trade.
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“It’s my understanding that in this meeting today, Steven King will outline his plans for Clayton Oliver next season, and there will be a change in role, certainly a change in philosophy, a change in how they want to use Clayton Oliver," Edmunds said.
“So that meeting will take place. He’s being summoned there, I’m told, specifically. It’s an open-ended conversation that could go in any direction.”
Morris also reported on AFL Trade Radio about the midfielders' situation, but bluntly said 'Clayton Oliver fully expects to be told to look at his options, and I can tell you he is very flat. '
There were reports in the last two trade periods that Oliver was looking at a trade to another club, but the Demons remained steadfast that Oliver, who is contracted until the end of the 2030 season, would stay at the club.
A few weeks prior to the trade period, Oliver's manager, Nick Gieschen, said the midfielder wanted to stay at the club long-term.
“He’s very happy at Melbourne, loves the club and wants to have a great season in 2026,” Gieschen said.
“He’s a Melbourne person.”