AFL 2026: Melbourne coach Steven King addresses Clayton Oliver rematch
Steven King says Melbourne’s midfield must answer the challenge collectively against former teammate Clayton Oliver.
Melbourne coach Steven King says curbing former superstar Clayton Oliver aligns with an expected response from his midfield.
The Demons will play GWS and Oliver for the first time since his publicised departure from the club at the end of last season.
Oliver has returned to some of his best form since becoming a Giant, highlighted by a starring role in their 14-goal quarter against reigning premier Brisbane Lions last week.
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“I think they’ll look forward to it, they’re obviously premiership teammates a lot of them and respect him enormously,” King said.
“Even just the way he’s going, himself personally, he’s playing at a really high level, so I think our midfield group as a whole will look to respond.
“We were beaten pretty convincingly there against the Bulldogs last week, so we need the response not just against Clarry but against their whole midfield group.
“As a collective, we need to get going a bit, but that’s going to be good to watch.”
Melbourne parted ways with champions Oliver and Christian Petracca but have sprung up the ladder under King.
King says the Demons, Petracca and Oliver all playing good footy after the split is “a win-win”.
“I think whenever you can get a win-win, it’s great for the competition. I wish nothing more than Clarry, for Christian, to go really well,” he said.
“It was quite obvious internally here we needed change as well, so you need to just not worry about the consequences of how people go, it’s about how you go internally.
“I think they’re both great players and greats of our footy club, so it’s no surprise that they’re playing really high-level footy.
“I am also more just focused on the opportunity it’s created for us and to see some young men step up, that’s been really pleasing.”
Brody Mihocek (hamstring) and Latrelle Pickett (managed) are set to be available for the GWS clash, while Tom McDonald is a potential inclusion for Jake Lever (concussion).
Originally published as AFL 2026: Melbourne coach Steven King addresses Clayton Oliver rematch
