Demons rapt with Clayton Oliver’s progress after encouraging start to AFL season

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Clayton Oliver has turned his life round “considerably” following the AFL star’s well-documented struggles.

Oliver had an encouraging begin to the season in final Thursday evening’s 22-point loss to Sydney on the SCG.

There was hypothesis the Demons might commerce him after final season and he additionally wanted time away from the membership over the summer time due to his off-field issues.

Teammate Christian Petracca admitted this week he thought throughout the low season Oliver may depart Melbourne.

However Goodwin is rapt with how nicely Oliver is doing on and off the sector.

Requested earlier than Thursday morning’s coaching session how a lot he thought Oliver was turning his life round, Goodwin replied “considerably”.

“You see a really wholesome and joyful individual strolling into your atmosphere, coaching nicely, connecting with individuals, smiling they usually’re the issues we have discovered to like about Clayton,” Goodwin stated.

“We all know we now have a Clayton Oliver that we love and respect, and we all know goes to provide some actually robust soccer for us.

“We’re extremely proud of how he is monitoring.”

Goodwin added that Oliver will solely enhance as he performs extra matches.

“He had his possessions, little question about that, and he acquired higher as the sport went on,” Goodwin stated.

“We nonetheless wish to see extra of what he brings to the competition and the way he will get out of contest.

“That is a giant a part of his recreation. However first recreation again, we will not ask for far more. He delivered on all the pieces he’d been working in the direction of.

“He is simply going to develop and get higher.”

The Demons will regain thrilling utility Kysaiah Pickett (suspension) for Sunday afternoon’s match in opposition to the Western Bulldogs on the MCG.

AAP