Melbourne have confirmed superstar Clayton Oliver won’t play in Saturday night’s clash with West Coast to “prioritise his wellbeing”.

“Following open dialogue between Clayton and the club, it was decided that missing this weekend’s game was the best thing for Clayton’s health,” the club said in a statement.

The 27-year-old had played every game this season, averaging 27.6 disposals and seven clearances in 2025.

The club added that after “a difficult week personally”, both Oliver and the club agreed it would be best for him not to travel to Perth to face the Eagles at Optus Stadium.

“We expect Clayton to return to the program next week, but as always his mental and physical health will be the priority,” Demons footy boss Alan Richardson said.

“As an industry, it’s pleasing to see the progress we’ve made in normalising players putting their hand up when they need support.“The club’s focus is on surrounding Clayton with the care he needs and we ask that his privacy is respected.”

After starting the season 0-5, the Demons will be full of confidence heading into the Eagles clash following back-to-back victories over the Tigers and Fremantle.

The club will also be wary of an winless West Coast after a shock 35-point upset in round 10 last year on the back of a breakout performance by then-teen sensation Harley Reid.

The 0-7 Eagles are still chasing their first win under new coach Andrew McQualter.

Oliver played just seven games last season while dealing with personal issues and was shopped for a trade, with Geelong keen.

But the Demons then stood firm in keeping the four-time club champion.

After five losses to start their season, Melbourne have downed Fremantle and Richmond but coach Simon Goodwin is wary of the Perth trip to meet the winless Eagles at Optus Stadium.

“Clearly our performances last year in Perth, both against West Coast and Fremantle, weren’t to the level,” Goodwin said.

“We’ve been working really hard on our style of play over the last month and how we show up week after week.

“We want to be a team that is really hard to play against, no matter where or who we’re playing.”

The Demons travel following the long-awaited appointment of a new chief executive officer. Paul Guerra.

“He comes from a great background, has enormous experience and I think he’s going to provide great stability,” Goodwin said.

“I’ve only had a really brief conversation with him but it has certainly been one of support and about working on how we generate a really high-performing footy club.”

With AAP