AFL INJURIES: Clayton Oliver cleared for Melbourne as Changkuoth Jiath sidelined again for Hawthron

Shayne Hope and Roger Vaughan
AAP
Clayton Oliver will make his return after undergoing surgery.
Clayton Oliver will make his return after undergoing surgery. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Melbourne star Clayton Oliver has been cleared to face Richmond in round seven while Hawthorn utility Changkuoth Jiath’s AFL return is on hold after another soft-tissue injury.

Oliver underwent minor surgery on his troublesome finger this month while the Demons enjoyed an extended 13-day break during their early season bye round.

The prolific on-baller successfully returned to main training this week and will play against the Tigers at the MCG on Wednesday night.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

“Clayton got the all-clear to sweat and integrate into training at the end of last week,” Melbourne high-performance boss Selwyn Griffith said on Monday.

“He trained really well and is available for selection for this week against Richmond.”

Defender Marty Hore (fractured thumb) is also available to return for Melbourne, while off-season recruit Shane McAdam will make his comeback through the VFL.

Former Adelaide forward McAdam is yet to play for the Demons after a delayed start to the season with a hamstring injury.

“Shane has done a power of work over the last couple of weeks,” Griffith said.

“He’s integrated into the main group, and we’re excited to see him play with the VFL this week.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Changkuoth Jiath of the Hawks marks during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Waverley Park on April 19, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Changkuoth Jiath is still out for the hawks. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Richmond expect to be bolstered by the return of gun midfielder Jacob Hopper (knee) and defender Dylan Grimes (wrist) for the ninth edition of the marquee ‘Anzac Day Eve’ clash against the Demons.

Hawthorn speedster Jiath had been set to resume in the VFL on Saturday after recovering from the hamstring injury that hobbled him in February.

But after a solid week of training, he was a late withdrawal with a quad strain.

The 24-year-old has played 45 games since his 2019 debut, never managing more than 16 in a season.

The speedy wingman and halfback only played eight times last year because of calf and achilles problems.

He spent time at a sports medicine facility in Qatar during the off-season as the Hawks tried to rid him of his persistent soft-tissue injuries.

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 18-02-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 18 February 202518 February 2025

Chalmers declares victory in rates relief battle but Bullock warns war on inflation far from over.