AFL 2025: Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin on Clayton Oliver's wellbeing and future
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has shared Clayton Oliver's frustration towards reports around his future, insisting 'they're just not the case'.
Oliver will return against Hawthorn this Saturday after missing the Demons' 32-point win over West Coast in Perth last weekend through personal leave.
In his week off, there were reports about Oliver's future and how his leave of absence stemmed from growing irritation about form and game time.
Goodwin categorically denied those reports and declared Oliver was 'in a good space' as a Melbourne player.
'I think it's more important Clayton finds them frustrating, that's the biggest thing. Clayton, for one, is frustrated by them because they're not true,' he said.
'He hasn't got resentment, he's not upset about game time, he's not upset, he's really content and happy and a lot of those things were dealt with at the end of last season.
'He's in a really good space, mindset and wants to be the best teammate he can possibly be, that's where the frustration comes.
'For the big part, the media in terms of how they dealt with Clayton spending some time away were, as an industry, quite mature and accepting of that.
'Then the reports come out about why he might need some time off, they just weren't the case.'
Goodwin said he spoke with Oliver every day and had no seen no evidence of resentment.
He lauded Oliver for his maturity in the face of personal adversity and expected the midfielder to be 'refreshed' to tackle the Hawks.
'It was pretty clear last week he needed some time away from the game, just a few days to reset and get his wellbeing back,' Goodwin said.
'It was on the back of some medical advice and, as I have said, we're really proud that he put his hand up and was able to take that time.
'What we've seen so far in the last few days is a refreshed Clayton. He's keen to get back into it, he's done a fair bit of training as well and we're looking forward to getting him back on the footy field.
'To put his hand up and say he needs some time, I think that's where we've grown internally as a football club and as Clayton has as well. I think it's a sign of where we are in the times now.
'We're really proud of Clayton for putting his hand up and we're looking forward to getting him back in the team.'
Goodwin said Oliver's battle had been ongoing over the course of three seasons and his personal leave was a sign of growth.
'I think it's a real sign of maturity not only from Clayton but the footy club as well to understand a bit deeper around the journey he's been on,' he said.
'We're in a really strong position now to grow that; we've had clear focuses for Clayton, it's his health and wellbeing and make sure he is in the best space possible.
'That's what we've seen in the last 12 months, that he is in a wonderful space and to be the best player he can possibly be again.'
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