The intrigue around superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver’s AFL return is continuing with Melbourne making another shock call for their official practice game.
The Demons are playing Carlton on Wednesday night in their first official hitout of the year, but they have made the decision not to pick Oliver.
See the full teams for the Blues v Demons clash below
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The decision comes after they decided to play Oliver in their match simulation clash with Richmond at Casey Fields on February 18.
In that game, however, Clayton joined the action for the final three terms when most of the regular AFL players were not participating.
Now, Melbourne has decided that Oliver will play in a VFL clash at Casey the day before the official practice match at Ikon Park.
Oliver had an injury-riddled season in 2023 but played below his best even when fit. Repeated questions were raised about his professionalism and poor off-field behaviour.
At one point he was the subject of intense trade speculation and then he went through a tumultuous off-season, which included time in hospital following a seizure that resulted in a head injury.
With the recent bombshell retirement of Angus Brayshaw, Melbourne fans are desperate to see Oliver back in the top-flight team.
When that happens, however, remains to be seen.
Melbourne’s first game for premiership points is against Sydney in just 10 days time on March 7.
Meanwhile, returning Carlton star Zac Williams — who missed last year due to an ACL injury — has also been named for the same VFL game.
Other Melbourne players who will be missing the action include: Lachie Hunter (calf), Harrison Petty (toe), Shane McAdam (calf), and Charlie Spargo.
But in better news for the Dees, star defender Christian Salem is back and swingman Tom McDonald is also in the team.
The Blues missing superstars Sam Walsh (back) and Jacob Weitering (calf), while crafty forwards Jack Martin and Matt Owies are also absent.
Ruck Marc Pittonet has also been named for the Blues after the scratch match against Geelong.
The match comprises of four 20-minute quarters, plus time on. Eight players are allowed on the interchange bench and there is no cap on rotations.
Carlton v Melbourne at Ikon Park, 6.40pm AEDT
CARLTONB: Jordan Boyd, Lewis Young, Adam SaadHB: Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern, Nic NewmanC: Matthew Cottrell, Patrick Cripps, Oliver HollandsHF: David Cuningham, Charlie Curnow, Blake AcresF: Orazio Fantasia, Harry McKay, Jesse MotlopFoll: Marc Pittonet, Adam Cerra, Sam DochertyI/C: Alex Cincotta, George Hewett, Elijah Hollands, Tom De Koning, Lachie Fogarty, Jaxon Binns, Billy Wilson, Lachlan CowanEmerg: Ashton Moir, Jack Carroll, Harry Lemmey, Matthew Kennedy
Big Names Missing: Jack Martin, Matt Owies, Jack Silvagni, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams
MELBOURNEB: Adam Tomlinson, Steven May, Christian SalemHB: Blake Howes, Jake Lever, Trent RiversC: Ed Langdon, Jack Viney, Alex Neal-BullenHF: Christian Petracca, Bayley Fritsch, Bailey LaurieF: Kysaiah Pickett, Jacob van Rooyen, Kade ChandlerFoll: Max Gawn, Jack Billings, Tom SparrowI/C: Judd McVee, Caleb Windsor, Jake Bowey, Josh Schache, Kynan Brown, Tom McDonald, Koltyn Tholstrup, Matthew JeffersonEmerg: Marty Hore, Will Verrall, Tom Fullarton, Taj Woewodin
Big Names Missing: Lachie Hunter, Shane McAdam, Clayton Oliver, Harrison Petty, Charlie Spargo
