Embattled Demons star Clayton Oliver has been named in Melbourne's squad for its 'opening round' clash despite a turbulent off-season.
Fronting media on Monday, Demons coach Simon Goodwin confirmed that Oliver would face the Swans at the SCG on Thursday night.
Goodwin stated that Oliver had built a strong foundation in the last month since returning from personal leave, despite him sitting out a trial game with the AFL side last week to instead line up for the VFL team.
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"It's been a pretty long process to first and foremost get Clayton healthy. That has been a process, but it's one that we've taken as a footy club," Goodwin said.
"We've addressed some things and we've gone about a process to get him to this point. It's not finished but he's healthy, he's happy and he's ready.
"We're united and connected as a footy team and that's been a big part of our summer. He's a big part of that.
"He's done everything we could've asked of him … to get himself into this position and he's right to go."
Oliver took extended personal leave from the club in January after departing a pre-season training camp in Lorne early ahead of the Christmas break.
The 26-year-old was a notable absentee as the Demons hit the track in 2024 but eased back into training in late January.
Oliver was limited to just 15 senior games last season because of a prolonged hamstring injury but returned before the finals series where the Demons exited in straight sets for a second consecutive year.
This preceded intense trade speculation with several clubs hunting the three-time All-Australian's signature.
The Demons were reportedly weighing up letting Oliver go despite him being contracted to the club until 2030 after signing a seven-year extension last June.
Ultimately, Melbourne did not put Oliver on the trade table and denied ever considering it.
In October, Oliver was briefly admitted to hospital following a seizure which he partially attributed to side effects from ADHD medication.
A month later, he was pulled over by police and charged with driving with a suspended licence after being disqualified from driving on medical grounds.
Draftee Caleb Windsor and young wingman Blake Howes will make their AFL debuts against the Swans.
Former St Kilda forward Jack Billings will also play his first game for the Demons after he was traded at the end of last season.
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