Clayton Oliver is absolutely essential to the success of the Melbourne Football Club. Now, speculation is rampant about his future in the AFL. With five years remaining on his lucrative contract valued at approximately $7 million, discussions have emerged after Oliver recently met with officials from Greater Western Sydney (GWS). The meeting occurred aboard a boat and included a kick on the Giants’ oval, fueling rumors of a potential move.
The 26-year-old midfielder has solidified his leadership chops, having acted as the interim captain during Callum Mills’ injury absence. Oliver wasn’t just an inspiring leader behind the scenes, he finished the 2024 season as the competition’s best tackler. He placed in the top ten of Sydney’s best and fairest players this season. Given this, his incredible form has turned GWS’ head and there are whispers that they’ll be looking to secure him for knife in the future.
Melbourne, for its part, appears willing and ready to help make the transition happen for Oliver. The club is offering to eat roughly $3 million of his remaining contract. As an added bonus, this move will allow them to clear even more room on their salary cap. This opening provides GWS with the opportunity to push hard back to reach a better deal. …and other clubs More teams can participate, reaping unique mutual benefits for all parties.
There was significant hand-wringing / speculation about Oliver. No doubt, players such as James Rowbottom and Will Hayward will continue to remain at their clubs. Chris Keane, Sydney’s list boss, emphasized that Rowbottom remains under contract for another three years and that they anticipate his presence throughout that period.
“We have had no indication about James Rowbottom wanting to leave. Contracted for three more years, we expect him to be here for that period.” – Chris Keane
Keane provided context for what Hayward is going through. He reiterated that Hayward, who is under contract for four more years, will be respected on that. This progression in stability stands in stark contrast to the current and continued uncertainty surrounding Oliver’s fate.
At the same time, interest has focused on the prospects of fellow Aussie Charlie Curnow. His path out of Carlton seems blocked for the time being. Sydney are said to be out in front in that particular race should such an opportunity arise.
In other player-related news, Harry Schoenberg has had a difficult year. The Crows have sadly been forced to delist him after not even a full season of AFL football. This comes despite his eye-catching, high-impact contributions in 62 AFL games since being drafted with pick 24. West Coast, according to the report, may be about to give Schoenberg another opportunity in the form of an AFL-preseason-style chance.
All-Australian forward Kysaiah Pickett recently signed a lucrative, five-year contract extension. He will remain partnered with Melbourne through the end of 2034. This commitment adds an interesting layer of complexity to the discussion around Oliver and other players since the club.
Kane Cornes, one of Australia’s most high-profile sports commentators, has voiced pessimism over Oliver’s long-term prospects at Melbourne. He blasted the travesty in an extraordinary op-ed. Tim Lamb, Melbourne’s head of football, labeled Oliver’s rumored departure as “total nonsense.” Cornes said considering what Oliver had done for the club, it is sad for it to have reached this stage.
“He’s out … he’s had a crack at his former club. It’s almost sad that it’s ended this way considering his record at that footy club.” – Kane Cornes
Cornes has his doubts that Pickett will make it past the length of his new deal. At best, he estimates it’s “extremely improbable” that he’ll make good on the contract by 2034.
“I will be staggered if he sees that contract through.” – Kane Cornes
These developments highlight a complex landscape for player movements in the AFL as clubs reassess their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.
We know that circumstances with Oliver are ever-changing as negotiations continue between his camp and interested parties. Clubs are anxious to fill out their squads and players are looking to make their mark. The next few weeks are going to be a key time for Oliver and others in his shoes.
