Clayton Oliver reveals what REALLY caused him to be hospitalised as Melbourne star opens up on ‘stressful’ post-season period that has put him on thin ice with his club

Clayton Oliver has put to bed ‘nonsense’ rumours about his off-field issues as the Melbourne star revealed what really happened the day he was hospitalised.

Oliver, 26, had a difficult 2023 with speculation surrounding his professionalism raised, sparking doubt over his future with the Demons.

As a result, he was the subject of trade reports while stories relating to his off-field behaviour circulated. 

He spent a short stint in hospital three weeks ago following a seizure that resulted in a head injury, and, speaking to 7NEWS, Oliver says he has been under a lot of pressure physically and mentally. 

‘It’s been a little bit stressful, it usually doesn’t get to me,’ he said. 

The Melbourne midfielder is on thin ice with his club over behavioural issues

Oliver revealed that a combination of lack of sleep from stress, prescription drugs and a big day at the gym led to his collapse at teammate Joel Smith’s house. 

‘I take medication for my ADHD, so I’ve been talking to doctors about that for a while now, and sort of been light-headed and high heart rate, it sort of affects me a fair bit, and I sort of fainted that day off the Wattbike,’ Oliver said.

‘Was in bed sleeping at Joel’s and got up to get a drink, and the next thing I knew I was on the ground.’

Oliver’s statement comes after Melbourne chief Gary Pert penned an explosive letter to fans in which he effectively put the midfielder on notice, while coach Simon Goodwin has also warned him to adhere to the club’s ‘minimum standards of behaviour’.  

But the superstar said he was far from pleased that his personal issues have been dragged into the spotlight once again.

‘I thought it was all put to bed,’ he said. ‘But, yeah, few issues on my behalf that are fair enough. But I don’t know why it’s come out again.

‘If they didn’t want me (I would have left).

‘Didn’t want to leave – love the club, love the boys. Love Goody, always looked after me – got my back. Rides me hard but in a good way. I owe my career to him. I’d never leave someone who’s 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 best person for the Melbourne Football Club,’ he said.