Melbourne superstar Clayton Oliver is in the frame to play in the AFL’s season opener against Sydney on March 7.
A month ago, it seemed fanciful to suggest that Oliver would be playing in the match given his tumultuous off-season.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The latest on Oliver’s opening round chances.
Stream analysis, local footy and the biggest moments free on 7plus >>
Oliver spent time away from the club while dealing with a host of personal issues that date as far back as last year.
The superstar midfielder had an injury-riddled season in 2023 but played below his best even when fit, with repeated questions over his lack of professionalism and poor off-field behaviour levelled at him.
He was then the subject of intense trade speculation at the end of the season before he and the club re-committed to his monster seven-year contract. But that was the least of his worries throughout the off-season, which spiraled out of control when he spent time in hospital following a seizure that resulted in a head injury.
Oliver later left Melbourne’s pre-season camp early to deal with personal issues, and withdrew completely from the program weeks later for the same reason.
The 26-year-old only re-joined his teammates at Gosch’s Paddock last month, albeit on a modified training program initially.
He then featured on Sunday in the club’s pre-season scratch match against Richmond and showed impressive touch.
7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary said Oliver’s chances of featuring against the Swans are only “growing”.
“The AFL have no issue with the star midfielder being there after his rocky off-season,” Cleary reported.
Captain Max Gawn is also on board, saying he is inspired by the work is Oliver is putting into himself after well-documented off-field problems.
But Gawn is unfussed if Oliver is held back from their opening game against Sydney at the SCG.
“There will be a discussion about it. I’m comfortable both ways,” Gawn said.
“To be fair, our sole focus has been getting Clarry back to training.
“With Clarry it’s more day to day, so we just keep him going.”
Gawn has been working closely with Oliver and says his opinion of his teammate has changed.
“I’m incredibly inspired by what Clarry is doing right now. He’s a guy who’s had a lot of trouble … most of it is of his own accord,” Gawn said.
“He’s still getting some crossroads along the way, but he’s focused on being the best person he can.
“I’m starting to be inspired by the Clayton Oliver story.
“He still lets me down from time to time, we’re still incredibly close, but see him run out there … I hope we have him on the right path and I’m excited for what he can bring this year.”
– With AAP
