Oliver’s shutdown job gives Dees options with Viney out
Shayne Hope |
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin will consider more negating roles for Clayton Oliver after the star midfielder performed an effective shutdown job on Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe.
Oliver, an elite ball-winner at his best, was sent to Newcombe at the MCG on Saturday and restricted his opponent to 19 disposals while gathering 14 touches himself.
But he couldn’t prevent the Demons suffering a 13.13 (91) to 7.14 (56) defeat.
“Clayton did a great job,” Goodwin said.
“Newcombe’s been in great form, he’s a high-quality player and Clayton’s coming back into some form.
“This gave him a real focus on what he could do for the team, and it is ultimately about what you can do for the team.
“I thought today he was outstanding.”
It was Oliver’s return match after a week off due to personal reasons, and Goodwin said the prolific ball-winner was enthusiastic when handed his new role.
Jack Viney had been set to play on Newcombe, but was ruled out through concussion two days before the match.
“He could not wait to do it … he was all over it,” Goodwin said of Oliver.
“He wanted the job, he wanted to go after it, and that’s the type of guy you’ve got.
“He wanted to do what was best for the team, and that’s what we’re about.
“It’s certainly something we’ll look at (going forward).
“We’ve got some real experience (in our midfield), and with Viney and Oliver both being able to do it, it gives us a great opportunity to see what best fits each week.”
Viney suffered delayed concussion symptoms after Melbourne’s win over West Coast, and officially entered concussion protocols on Thursday.
It means the 227-game veteran will also miss the Demons’ meeting with reigning premiers Brisbane in Round 10.
“It’s a bit of an unusual one from a concussion perspective, but you just don’t take any risks in that space,” Goodwin said.
“His health is the main priority there.”
AAP
