Ten Questions with Tom Morris: Clayton Oliver’s Defiant Decision Puts Demons in a Tough Position

In the past two seasons, Melbourne has dismissed approaches from Adelaide and Geelong for their midfielder Clayton Oliver, confident in his ability to reclaim peak form.

Now, sitting in 15th place on the ladder and with Oliver not yet at his best, could the Dees come to regret not capitalising on the four-time best and fairest winner, especially considering his hefty $1.5 million salary up until 2030?

From discussions about Oliver’s future to the value of Oscar Allen for the Tassie Devils, Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris has addressed your queries ahead of round eight of the season.

How much is Oscar Allen worth to the Lions, and what’s his asking price? – via Luke on Facebook

Tom Morris: Oscar Allen is likely valued at a minimum six-year deal by Brisbane. They believe they can help him get physically primed for long-term play.

While I don’t have the precise numbers, I’d be surprised if it’s not around $1 million per year considering he’s a free agent and a captain at another club.

What are the chances of Miles Bergman landing at St Kilda? – via Ian on Facebook

TM: Two years ago, St Kilda was very keen on Miles Bergman. However, I’m not convinced the Saints are as determined this time around.

Nonetheless, he’s out of contract and there’s plenty of the season left to play, with Port eager to retain him. Other clubs are likely to be asking about him if he’s still available at season’s end.

What are the chances of a trade between Butters and Wanganeen-Milera, perhaps with a pick swap as a sweetener? – via Warrick on Facebook

TM: I can’t envision a scenario where Zak Butters moves to St Kilda. The priority for St Kilda should be to retain Wanganeen-Milera.

His decision isn’t financially driven but rather familial. Whether he opts for a four-year contract with St Kilda, which could lead him to free agency, or signs long-term with one of the clubs in South Australia, remains to be seen.

In my view, Butters will not be part of the conversation.

Does Melbourne need to shake up their roster to enhance performance? Will they rue not trading off Clayton Oliver for greater value last year? – via Sam on Facebook

TM: Hindsight offers clarity, and not trading Clayton Oliver in either of the last two trade periods may turn out to be a regret. However, for a four-time best and fairest and premiership player, I understand why Melbourne chose to keep him while believing they were in contention for the flag.

It’s apparent they require a key forward, and acquiring someone like Dan Houston could have made a significant impact as well.

Oliver’s trade value is clearly diminished, and with his contract over $1.5 million per year on a long-term deal, finding a suitable return will prove challenging. Clubs are likely to hesitate in giving up valuable draft capital for a player earning this much. They face a tough road ahead.

Which coach is most at risk as we approach the one-third mark of the season? – via Steven on Facebook

TM: The coaches under the most scrutiny are Adelaide’s Matthew Nicks and Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir.

Despite Longmuir being on a rolling contract and Nicks signed until 2026, both know that a poor season in 2025 could spell the end for them.

Fremantle has high expectations while Adelaide is in the midst of a lengthy rebuild. The critical moment is now, which is why the outcome of the weekend’s game was so significant. I’m not convinced there’s room in the finals for both Freo and the Crows.

Tevita Rodan is currently an Academy prospect with the Bombers but is also eligible as a father/son at Port Adelaide. Which status takes precedence? – via Steve on Facebook

TM: No, it’s entirely up to Rodan to declare which club he prefers to join.

Similar to Kalani White, the son of Jeff White, who must decide between the Suns as an Academy prospect or Melbourne as a father-son choice, and Luke Hodge’s son, who has to choose between Brisbane and Hawthorn. Such scenarios arise annually.

If both Essendon and Port Adelaide show interest in Rodan, they will need to effectively sell their vision for him.

Any updates on Logan Morris potentially re-signing with the Lions? – via Michael on Facebook

TM: There’s been no news regarding Morris’s re-signing, though that doesn’t imply he won’t stay. Brisbane would certainly like to keep him, but Victorian clubs may also be vying to lure him back.

I can see Melbourne being interested, given their need for a strong, youthful key forward.

What are the odds of Carlton matching St Kilda’s offer to Tom De Koning, which could force a trade? Is it feasible for them? – via WWOS team

TM: Matching St Kilda’s $1.7 million offer isn’t a feasible option for Carlton due to the numbers involved. If they were to call De Koning’s management’s bluff by matching, they would then have to commit to that salary.

The Blues have made it clear behind the scenes they can’t meet that demand. Should De Koning depart, Carlton would receive a substantial compensation pick. I can’t see a scenario where they’d match the Saints’ offer given the enormity of it.

What precautions is the AFL implementing to ensure Tasmania is more competitive than Gold Coast and GWS during their formative years? – via WWOS team

TM: The AFL is developing a hybrid model that combines the most effective attributes from both the Gold Coast and GWS entries into the AFL, along with the support packages that have been provided to the Suns and North Melbourne in recent times.

One unintended consequence of the Suns and Giants having an abundance of talented, young players was their inability to retain many of them in subsequent years due to financial constraints.

The AFL is aiming to provide Tasmania with a more equitable player list. They will receive a number of draft picks, a portion of which will be mandated to be traded for experienced players.

Which player are we currently overlooking in trade/free agency discussions? – via WWOS team

TM: Malcom Rosas Jr at Gold Coast. Having played 45 games over four years and not featuring this season, I’d be surprised if he remained at Gold Coast next year.

I’d be even more shocked if he wasn’t listed with another club next year. Essendon has shown past interest. With his speed and skill, the fit just hasn’t worked with this Gold Coast team. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on as the season closes.

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