"They are all watching this situation so closely" - Journalist says Melbourne Demons star subject of trade interest from three rival clubs

Melbourne Demons star Clayton Oliver is the subject of trade interest from three rival clubs, as per Herald Sun writer Jay Clark. Despite struggling with his form after signing a huge seven-season contract a year ago and his off-field behavioral issues, Clark believes at least three clubs are interested in luring Oliver away from the Demons.

“I've spoken to three clubs over the last 48 hours, they are all watching this situation so closely,” Clark told the Midweek Tackle (via Fox Sports). “Oliver might be happy at Melbourne and everything you hear out of Simon Goodwin's month suggests they are loving Oliver, but there are clubs skirting around the edges.”

“Tell me Oliver isn't absolutely perfect for (Geelong), their contested possession rating and clearances have dropped, they don't have that big-bodied midfielder. If this takes a turn, there will be clubs doing their due diligence, because you've got to be in a position to know what's going on in the background," he added.

“However, separate reports around the club suggest that both parties are committed to the long-term deal, and that Oliver is “actually happier than he's been in quite some time," Clark concluded.

AFL legend Leigh Matthews thinks Melbourne Demons star Clayton Oliver's inadequate preseason training may be responsible for visible slump in form

Clayton Oliver of the Demons is tackled by Mark Blicavs of the Cats.

Clayton Oliver is in the middle of his worst season yet as the entire AFL world watched him get locked down by North Melbourne's Will Phillips on Saturday. The midfielder managed only 14 possessions in his side's three-point win over the Kangaroos.

AFL legend Leigh Matthews has opined that Oliver's limited pre-season training may have limited his ability to hit top form this season so far. Speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Furnace, Matthews said:

“He looks like he’s lost his power and his speed. Maybe the soft summer where he had a very limited preparation (has meant) he’s physically flattened off. I’m sure the conditioning staff at Melbourne are trying to work out exactly what is it to get the best out of him in his football athleticism, then his football abilities will come to the fore.”

Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin also didn't hold back on his criticism of his player's performance on Saturday when he was interviewed post-match:

“It was a tight tag and Phillips did a good job. If you had to say who won the battle, you’d say he (Phillips) won the battle.” the Melbourne Demons coach said post-match. “He shut Clayton out of the game for the majority of the night. Clayton keeps working through it and he’ll continue to work through it.”

Oliver will look to silence all the criticism he has received so far this season with a good showing against the Brisbane Lions on Friday night. This will be a real test for him and the ninth-placed Melbourne Demons team who sit just half a game ahead of tagger Jarrod Berry and the Brisbane Lions.