Demons star Clayton Oliver is a man in demand.Credit:Getty Images
While the Cats have met with Oliver and are considering pursuing a trade for the decorated midfielder,they are taking the position that a trade would only be feasible if one of those objectives – paying the full contract for a lower draft cost,or the reverse – is met,according to a club source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The only other possibility that could assist a trade would be that Oliver takes a pay cut to join the Cats.
Geelong’s position on the trade – an “either money or draft” cost equation – is no surprise,given the scale of the contract,Oliver’s issues over last summer,and his relatively poor performances in 2024 for a player of his ability.
Melbourne’s public position – as put on record by coach Simon Goodwin – is that he will be retained by the Demons for 2025,and this stance has not changed,despite rival clubs being sounded out about whether they are interested in Oliver.
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Oliver has indicatedhe is interested in joining the Cats after meeting with senior players and club leaders at the rustic property of ruckman Rhys Stanley this week,as reported by this masthead.
The Cats – even as they explore the feasibility of a trade and have established themselves as the preferred destination for Oliver if he leaves – are mindful of the reality that the midfielder,a four-time best and fairest,can only be recruited if the Demons are willing to strike a deal and that Melbourne can take the same position they ultimately did over Christian Petracca in holding him,despite his interest in a move.