Melbourne faces a nervous wait to learn the immediate future of its star midfielder as a teammate describes his crucial importance.
AFL: North Melbourne legend David King was disappointed the Melbourne Demons didn’t fly the flag for an under-fire Max Gawn against Port Adelaide.
The 25-year-old hurt his left hamstring in the third quarter of Melbourne’s loss to Port Adelaide on Friday night and underwent a scan on Sunday.
He managed to gather 15 second-half disposals despite the injury to be one of his side’s best in the four-point defeat.
Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy said Oliver, who has missed only one game in the past six seasons due to a broken thumb, would be working hard to play against the Dockers at the MCG this week despite concerns he could miss a month.
Clayton Oliver’s fate will be revealed on Monday night after he was sent for scans on an injury to his left hamstring. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images
“I haven’t spoken to Clarry – which is probably not ideal (as his) teammate. I stayed in Adelaide (after the game), obviously he’s under a little bit of a cloud at the moment, I’m not sure what that looks like but I suppose that will play out today (or) tomorrow with the medical staff,” Grundy said.
“He’s a quality player, a very special player, coming to the club he’s someone that I’ve been so impressed with his diligence, he’s someone that will be here (at the club) … and will be here until sundown.
“He’s very durable and will be doing everything he can to get up.”
Bayley Fritsch was also sent for a scan on Monday. Picture: Sarah Reed / Getty Images
Bayley Fritsch was also sent for a scan on Monday, with the Demons yet to confirm whether the important forward is battling an injury concern.
Grundy said he was not aware of any issues for Fritsch, who has booted 20 goals in nine games this season.
He said Oliver would have a big influence on how the Demons worked on their defensive performance as a midfield group after the Power managed to boot five goals from chains starting at stoppages in their backline.
“I suppose the pleasing things were that third quarter we were able to respond and wrestle back some of the momentum, but there are some clear learnings for us,” Grundy said.
“Stoppage work, particularly in the defensive 50, I think they kicked five goals to two from defensive 50, so that’s probably something that we need to look at.
“It’s something me and Max and the rest of the midfield play a big part in – going back to Clarry, he’s a massive part of having success around stoppage, so we hope that he’s available this week for sure.”