Oliver leaves Dees' camp to deal with medical issues

Clayton Oliver is taking an indefinite break from football as he battles ongoing medical issues. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Troubled Melbourne AFL star Clayton Oliver is taking an indefinite break from football as he battles ongoing medical issues.

The gun midfielder attended the first day of the Demons' training camp at Lorne, but left on Monday night after discussions with the club's football hierarchy.

"Clayton is taking a break as he continues to deal with some personal medical issues," Melbourne football manager Alan Richardson said in a statement.

"We are continuing to support Clayton and managing his program in a way that prioritises his health and wellbeing.

"His teammates and staff remain confident he is making good progress."

Four-time best-and-fairest winner Oliver has battled injuries and medical issues in recent months, and has faced questions over his off-field behaviour.

The 26-year-old will face court in January after he was charged with driving with a suspended licence.

Oliver has been unable to drive on medical grounds since he was hospitalised following a seizure on October 12.

After the incident, he partially attributed the seizure to side effects of his ADHD medication.

Oliver's professionalism was repeatedly questioned throughout 2023 amid doubts over his future at Melbourne.

The prolific onballer was the subject of intense trade speculation, with Adelaide among the clubs interested, despite being under contract until 2030 after signing a massive seven-year extension last year.

Melbourne ultimately chose not to trade Oliver, but coach Simon Goodwin and CEO Gary Pert made it clear he needed to lift his standards.

This month, Pert told a members' forum Oliver had shown a renewed commitment to the Demons' cause.

"Clayton's doing really well, he's in a great head (space)," Pert said.

"He's made a real commitment ... he's 100 per cent in, he wants to be part of something really special."

Melbourne captain Max Gawn joined teammates at the training camp on Wednesday following the birth of his second child.

Forward Jake Melksham resumed running for the first time since undergoing a knee reconstruction, which ruled him out of the 2023 finals series.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store