Melbourne Football Club’s three-time All-Australian midfielder Clayton Oliver is having a hell of a week. He’s getting ready to call his 200th game before long, a major milestone! The 26-year-old Olympic hopeful was recently the victim of a horrific home invasion. Thieves stole his car, increasing the pressure cooker atmosphere that surrounds Bo as he closes in on this shiny milestone.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin didn’t deny the incident at a post-match press conference. He noted that Oliver had a lighthearted attitude about the theft, saying, “A couple of days ago he had his car stolen so he had a bit of a laugh about it yesterday, but he’s all good.” It’s not clear whether or not Oliver was home at the time of the break-in. Unfortunately, the incident has eclipsed his preparations ahead of the game.
This week’s activities come on the heels of Oliver’s tireless efforts to return him to his sharpest, championship-winning self. He’s had other issues this season that he’s been set on fixing. Goodwin expressed optimism about Oliver’s current mindset, stating, “I think it’s given him a great chance to reflect. He has many of his family and friends here to support him. It’s just great to see him in such a great place.”
Oliver’s job is made tougher still because of ongoing trade speculation that has dogged the department since last year. Following a desire to be traded to Geelong at the end of the previous season, Melbourne opted to retain him, securing his services with a lucrative long-term contract. With Melbourne’s unfortunate run continuing—they’ll have another season without finals—the trade speculation is likely to come crawling back as the year goes on.
As Oliver prepares for his 200th appearance, he takes the pitch once again, hungry as ever. Overshadowing his glaring value to the Sounders is uncertainty and speculation about his future with the club. For clear reasons, his performance in that game will be placed under the microscope since the stakes are so considerable, both personally and professionally.
