Melbourne have committed to helping Clayton Oliver through his "personal circumstances" after quashing AFL trade speculation around their star midfielder.
As the Demons addressed Oliver's status for the first time, after days of radio silence, Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams was linked with a shock switch to Sydney.
In potentially the biggest move of the trade period, Sydney have targeted Adams, who missed out on the Magpies' premiership due to a hamstring injury, to bolster their midfield.
Adams spent more time at half-forward for Collingwood in 2023, with his midfield minutes cut back amid the introduction of ball magnet Tom Mitchell.
The 30-year-old has played 175 games at Collingwood, including 23 this year, but was injured in the Pies' week off before the preliminary final, then also missed the decider.
The Adams news broke on Friday as Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert poured cold water on any Oliver trade discussions, hours before the club's best-and-fairest event.
Oliver is under contract at the Demons until 2030, on a bumper seven-year contract extension signed last year, but reports had swirled that opposition clubs were assessing what it would take to secure him.
"At no stage has the club entered discussions with any club regarding a trade for Clayton," Pert said in a letter posted on Melbourne's website.
"Furthermore, Clayton has not requested a trade and will remain at the Melbourne Football Club.
"The club has been aware of and supporting Clayton with his personal circumstances for some time and is committed to continuing to do so."
Four-time best-and-fairest winner Oliver was restricted to 15 games in a frustrating 2023 season because of a drawn-out hamstring issue.
At one point, he was spotted by television cameras arguing with Melbourne fitness staff at training.
Reports had said the Demons expected Oliver to improve his attitude and off-field behaviour, and Pert hinted at that in his statement.
"While club leaders focus on the care and support Clayton needs, we also have a responsibility to uphold our strong club culture for the benefit of all our players and staff," Pert said.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone within the club is committed to meeting the expected behavioural standards of a player within an AFL high performance environment.
"Clayton understands what is expected of him as a professional athlete, as well as the standards and behaviours a Melbourne person is expected to uphold."
The 26-year-old has played 162 games for the Dees, including a starring role in their breakthrough 2021 premiership.
In the first move of the free agency period, Sydney snapped up Melbourne midfielder James Jordon as an unrestricted free agent.
The Demons will receive an end-of-round-two compensation draft pick (currently pick No.39).
West Coast bolstered their ruck division with the acquisition of unrestricted free agent Matt Flynn from GWS on a three-year deal.
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