- Clayton Oliver has broken his silence during his turbulent offseason
- The footy star was admitted to hospital three weeks ago
- He says the past few weeks have been “stressful.”
Clayton Oliver has quashed ‘nonsense’ rumors about his off-field problems as the Melbourne star revealed what really happened the day he was admitted to hospital.
Oliver, 26, had a difficult 2023 that saw speculation about his professionalism cast doubt on his future with the Demons.
As a result, he was the subject of trade reports, while stories of his off-field behavior circulated.
He spent a short period in hospital three weeks ago after an attack that resulted in a head injury, and speaking to 7NEWS, Oliver says he has been under a lot of pressure physically and mentally.
“It’s been a bit stressful, it usually doesn’t affect me,” he said.
Clayton Oliver has broken his silence on his turbulent post-season struggles
The midfielder from Melbourne is on thin ice with his club due to behavioral problems
Oliver revealed that a combination of lack of sleep due to stress, prescription drugs and a big day at the gym led to him collapsing on teammate Joel Smith.
“I’m on medication for my ADHD, so I’ve been talking to doctors about that for a while, and I was a little lightheaded and had a high heart rate, it’s affecting me quite a bit, and I blacked out a little bit.” day off on the Wattbike,” said Oliver.
‘I was in bed sleeping at Joel’s and got up to get a drink and before I knew it I was on the floor.’
Oliver’s statement comes after Melbourne chief Gary Pert wrote an explosive letter to fans effectively putting the midfielder on notice, while coach Simon Goodwin has also warned him to adhere to the club’s ‘minimum standards of behaviour’.
But the superstar said he was far from happy that his personal issues have been dragged into the spotlight again.
“I thought it was all put to bed,” he said. “But yes, a few issues on my behalf that are fair enough. But I don’t know why it’s off again.
‘If they didn’t want me (I would have left).
‘I didn’t want to leave, I loved the club, I loved the boys. Love Goody, always took care of me – had my back. It rides me hard, but in a good way. I owe my career to him. I would never leave someone who has been so loyal to me.
“I just want to put my best foot forward for the club, be the best teammate I can be and the best person for the Melbourne Football Club,” he said.