Melbourne midfield star Clayton Oliver could be ruled in or out of Thursday’s blockbuster clash with Geelong as soon as Tuesday but is no certainty to return from injury.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin revealed the no-risk approach as he confirmed his team would travel to Geelong on Wednesday and train on the Cats home ground the day before the match for the first time, treating it “just like any other away game” in the hope of enhancing their preparation.
Oliver spent five days in hospital with an infected blister after recovering from a hamstring injury but while Goodwin was “hopeful” for a return against the Cats, he wasn’t prepared to lock it on Monday morning.
Melbourne was set to train on Monday after players had a four-day break across their bye weekend and Goodwin was not ready to declare either Oliver or Harrison Petty, who is coming off a foot injury, would definitely play the Cats.
“We’ll know a bit more today where’s at, both physically and whether he’s ready to perform at the level,” Goodwin said on Monday morning.
“He’s progressing well, we’re hopeful. Both he and Harrison Petty are in the same position.
“We’re hopeful but not certain. We need to make sure they train and pull up well. We’re not declaring them at this point.”
Goodwin said the five-day stint in hospital for Oliver, who was put through a rigorous training session on the MCG after his team’s King’s Birthday win over Collingwood, had impacted the on-baller.
“Spending five days in hospital isn’t ideal,” he said.
“It is about performance, making sure they are ready to perform and we won’t take any risks with any players.”
Melbourne is going the extra mile to prepare for the Cats, changing the dimensions of their oval at Casey Fields to match GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.
Following that the squad will travel to Geelong on Wednesday and stay overnight to put themselves in the best position for success.
The Demons have lost four of the past five clashes with the Cats in Geelong.
“”We’ve played down there a lot in the last four of five years, we’ve had some success, but we’ve also had some poor performances,” Goodwin said..
“We want to train down there, get used to the environment. We’re going to leave no stone unturned.”
Melbourne are currently third on the AFL ladder while Geelong are in 10th with just one win in their past five games.