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Melbourne has gone against picking troubled star Clayton Oliver for its official practice match against Carlton on Thursday, instead opting to send him to the VFL.
Oliver has been in the spotlight over the off-season for multiple reasons, including his early exit from the club’s training camp at the end of 2023, following intense trade speculation as well as a brief hospital visit.
The Demons have eased him back into training in recent weeks but it appears the four-time club medal winner is still not up to AFL match fitness.
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Oliver will instead play in the club’s VFL match before the main session at IKON Park this week.
He was seen partaking in drills away from the group on Tuesday.
Melbourne will also be without forward Harrison Petty (toe), Lachie Hunter (calf), Shane McAdam (calf) and Charlie Spargo.
In some positive news, Christian Salem will return to the senior side, with Tom McDonald to also start on the bench.
Meantime, Carlton will go without some of its strongest players, including Sam Walsh (back) and Jacob Weitering (calf). Jack Martin, Matt Owies and Corey Durdin will also miss the match.
The sides will compete in a four-quarter match, with each period to last 20 minutes.
After that, Melbourne will take on Sydney at the SCG as part of the AFL’s new Opening Round, to be played the week before round one of the 2024 season.
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