Clayton Oliver has left Melbourne's pre-season training camp to deal with personal 'issues', the Demons confirmed on Wednesday.
Melbourne's players are currently at a training camp in Lorne as they prepare for the 2024 AFL season.
The news of Oliver's departure was first reported by Channel Seven's Mitch Cleary, before the story was established by Demons football boss Alan Richardson.
MORE: Police charge Melbourne Demons star Clayton Oliver with driving on suspended license
“Clayton is taking a break as he continues to deal with some issues. We are continuing to support Clayton and managing his program in a way that prioritises his health and wellbeing,” Richardson said, as reported by Fox Sports.
“His teammates and staff remain confident he is making good progress.”
It is unknown when Oliver will return to Melbourne's pre-season program.
Oliver has had a turbulent six months, with the 26-year-old recently being charged by Victorian police for driving on a suspended license.
Oliver's license has been suspended on medical grounds since October 12 when he was hospitalized following a seizure, which he attributed in part to his ADHD medication.
But the Demons' midfielder was pulled over on November 16 and charged with driving on a suspended license, and will face court on January 9.
Why did Clayton Oliver go to hospital?
Oliver's visit to Footscray Hospital was big news in October as speculation about the midfielder's Melbourne future was swirling.
The 26-year-old revealed he needed to visit the emergency room after a fall at team-mate Joel Smith's house that was brought on by his ADHD medication and exercise.
“I take medication for my ADHD… sort of been light headed and high heart rate, that sort of affects me a fair bit," Oliver said.
"I sort of fainted that day off the watt bike.
"I was in bed sleeping at Joel (Smith’s house) then got up to get a drink and the next thing I know I’m on the ground."
Clayton Oliver trade: How close was it to happening?
During AFL trade period, speculation was rife Melbourne were considering moving Oliver on, with Adelaide interested in the gun midfielder.
Oliver admitted he would have left the Demons if they wanted him out but professed his feelings for the club and Goodwin.
"If they didn’t want me [I would have left], yeah," he said.
"Obviously didn’t want to leave - I love the boys and love the club and I love Goody. I owe my career to him so 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 be the best person I can be for the Melbourne Football Club."
Simon Goodwin speaks on Clayton Oliver's health battle
In an interview on with SEN Breakfast, Goodwin spoke publicly about Oliver's health issues for the first time.
"Clayton Oliver has got some personal challenges and that’s the best way we can describe it. It’s a very complex situation that we’ve got going on with Clayton and clearly those challenges have been ongoing for multiple years," Goodwin said.
"This isn’t something that has just reared its head in recent times. This is something that has been ongoing for our footy club and ongoing for our team for a number of years.
"We’re working incredibly closely with Clayton right now and building the best people around him and care around him to deal with his complex personal issues."
