The Demons,currently with pick five in the draft (tied to Fremantle from the Luke Jackson trade) as well as their own pick 13,are keen to get deep into the draft. The possibility of Oliver being available - and sources stressed that Melbourne were not pushing him out the door - has prompted clubs to assess their own salary cap,the suitability of Oliver for their club,and what a trade would require in draft pick terms.
The trade period,which starts on Monday,already looms as a busy one for Melbourne,who have been asked to negotiate with Sydney over a trade forruckman Brodie Grundy,who they only secured 12 months ago on an expensive long-term deal from Collingwood.
Loading
James Jordon will also depart the club for the Swans as an unrestricted free agent,while James Harmes is seeking a fresh start.
This masthead spoke to several clubs about Oliver,two of which said they were doing their due diligence on the premiership midfielder. Other club sources who wanted to remain anonymous said they would find it impossible,despite his talent,to fit him into their salary cap or did not see him as the right fit.
Oliver was a star in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership,but he had a tough season after he hurt his hamstring in round 10 and then spent time in hospital with an infection. He ended up missing two months of football,and was involved in what appeared to be heated exchange with a Melbourne official on the training track while trying to prove his fitness,before returning to the team in round 22.
Oliver’s management company declined to comment on his future.