Clayton Oliver will aim to return to his best form in 2024. (Image: Melbourne FC)
With Opening Round less than a month away, Melbourne’s Christian Petracca is raring to go, but questions still loom over the availability of teammate Clayton Oliver.
Fronting the media ahead at Marvel Stadium’s Super Bowl live site launch, Petracca found himself quickly facing questions about Melbourne’s pre-season.
Keeping his cards close to his chest, Petracca spoke vaguely about what Melbourne is trying to execute differently.
“It’s been a great pre-season… we’re trying to change and adapt, AFL is constantly evolving,” he said.
Questions quickly turned to his All-Australian teammate, Clayton Oliver, who recently made his return to Melbourne, now training with the rehab group.
Despite being away from the club for an extended period, Petracca has little doubt that Oliver will adapt to their updated plans. Petracca said coyly “He’s a pretty good player, so I think he’ll get up to speed when comes in.”
There are still doubts about when we may see a potential return of Clayton Oliver, Petracca himself stating he’s “not too sure” when asked if he’ll play this year.
More News:
Richmond and Collingwood executives explain their motivations ahead of inaugural Charity Shield
‘Everyone wins’: Could loan deals work with the mid-season trade period?
‘He would always find the best in people’: Lloyd on Sheedy
Oliver’s absence was due in part to being caught driving on a suspended license, for which he avoided conviction, but was fined.
A player who’s impressed in Oliver’s absence has been the seventh pick in the 2023 AFL Draft, Caleb Windsor. Petracca said the youngster has been “flying” and “going really well”. Petracca in a laughing tone said, “I’ve told all my mates in SuperCoach to get him.”
In regards to an Opening Round debut, a holistic Petracca said “I think there’s a chance for 44 boys to play.”
Subscribe to our newsletter!
