Superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver will represent Melbourne on Sunday – but likely not with his senior AFL teammates.
Oliver instead is set to be eased into the Demons’ match simulation against Richmond at Casey Fields, expected to feature in the final three periods of the seven-period hit-out, which is when the two clubs’ younger and VFL-listed players will play.
While Oliver has remained in good shape across the summer, his lack of match practice means he’s set to be on limited minutes on Sunday, with that game time likely to be towards the back-end of the match.
The only place to watch every game of the AFL Pre-Season live is Fox Footy, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The 26-year-old has endured a rollercoaster past 12 months. After battling injuries for most of the 2023 season then facing questions over off-field antics during the trade period, Oliver spent several weeks away from the club to address his mental health after players had returned to training. He only returned to Demons training in late January.
Oliver was one of 31 players named in the Demons’ squad, with first-round draftees Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup, as well as recruit Jack Billings, named.
AFL Wrap: Oliver cops driving fine | 01:58
However Angus Brayshaw (illness) Tom McDonald (calf tightness), Lachie Hunter (calf tightness), Charlie Spargo (Achilles soreness), Harrison Petty (toe), Shae McAdam (calf), Daniel Turner (leg) and Taj Woewodin (concussion) were all unavailable for selection.
Demons football boss Alan Richardson said Turner would be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks after he sustained a stress fracture in his femur.
“While this news is really disappointing, we know the type of person and athlete Daniel is, and expect him to attack his rehab with a positive and determined mindset over the coming weeks,” Richardson said.
Meanwhile, Richmond will welcome back top-10 draftee Josh Gibcus for his first match against a rival club since late 2022.
After missing the entire 2023 season due to hamstring issues, Gibcus now looms as a key member of the Tigers’ best 23 for the upcoming season after producing a strong summer.
New concussion rules headed for AFL | 01:07
The Tigers also named recruit Jacob Koschitzke and draftee Kane McAuliffe to face the Demons, but a host of key players won’t play.
Dylan Grimes, Dustin Martin, Tim Taranto and Toby Nankervis have all been managed’, while Liam Baker will miss due to a family reason and Tom Lynch will continue to build match fitness. Dion Prestia and Jacob Bauer both remain sidelined due to hamstring injuries.
Sunday’s Melbourne-Richmond clash, as well as all AFL pre-season matches, can be watched live on Fox Footy, via Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Squads for the remaining matches will be released at 5pm (AEDT) the day before.
The only place to watch every game of the AFL Pre-Season live is Fox Footy, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
AFL 2024 MATCH SIMULATION TEAMS
MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
Sunday February 18, 10.00am at Casey Fields
Match format: 7 periods, 4 x 20 minutes + time on with best 22, 3 x 20 minutes with no fixed bench
DEMONS
1. Steven May, 2. Jacob van Rooyen, 3. Christian Salem, 4. Judd McVee, 5. Christian Petracca, 6. Caleb Windsor, 7. Jack Viney, 8. Jake Lever, 11. Max Gawn, 13. Clayton Oliver, 14. Jack Billings, 15. Ed Langdon, 16. Bailey Laurie, 17. Jake Bowey, 19. Josh Schache, 20. Adam Tomlinson, 21. Matt Jefferson, 22. Blake Howes, 24. Trent Rivers, 26. Jed Adams, 27. Marty Hore, 28. Will Verrall, 30. Alex Neal-Bullen, 31. Bayley Fritsch, 32. Tom Sparrow, 36. Kysaiah Pickett, 37. Kade Chandler, 38. Oliver Sestan, 39. Koltyn Tholstrup, 41. Kynan Brown, 43. Kyah Farris-White
TIGERS
1. Nick Vlastuin, 5. Jack Ross, 10. Maurice Rioli, 15. Jayden Short, 17. Daniel Rioli, 18. Josh Gibcus, 19. Mykelti Lefau, 20. Jacob Koschitzke, 21. Noah Balta, 22. Jacob Hopper, 24. Sam Naismith, 27. Thomson Dow, 28. Kane McAuliffe, 29. Shai Bolton, 30. Tom Brown, 31. Rhyan Mansell, 32. Samson Ryan, 33. Kamdyn McIntosh, 34. Jack Graham, 35. Nathan Broad, 36. James Trezise, 40. Tyler Sonsie, 41. Sam Banks, 44. Seth Campbell, 45. Tylar Young, 46. Ben Miller, 48. Steely Green, 50. Marlion Pickett
