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Star Melbourne onballer Clayton Oliver is in their squad for Sunday's hitout against Richmond, the opening AFL pre-season fixture between clubs.
Clayton Oliver has been named in Melbourne's extended squad for their AFL pre-season hitout against Richmond.
But it remains unclear what the star midfielder's involvement will be on Sunday at Casey Fields, given his rough few months.
The match simulation will be over seven quarters from 10am, with Oliver reportedly running out with Melbourne reserves players for the last three periods.
Oliver returned to Melbourne's pre-season training late last month after several weeks away from the club because of personal issues.
The Demons have named an extended squad of 31 for the opening pre-season match simulation between clubs.
Tom McDonald and Lachie Hunter will sit out Sunday because of calf tightness, as will Charlie Spargo (Achilles), but Melbourne said on their website that the trio would be ready for their official practice match on February 28 against Carlton.
Angus Brayshaw is ill, Harrison Petty (toe) is sidelined and recruit Shane McAdam (calf) also will not run out on Sunday.
Taj Woewodin will be another absentee after he was concussed at training.
Defender Daniel Turner has a leg stress fracture that will sideline him for about three months.
But the below-strength Melbourne squad will feature stars such as Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney, Tom Sparrow, Jake Lever and Steven May.
Recruit Jack Billings and draftees Caleb Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup and Kynan Brown were also named for Sunday's hitout.
Richmond will also field an understrength squad, with Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Toby Nankervis and Tim Taranto all managed.
Dion Prestia has a hamstring injury, Liam Baker (family) is unavailable and Jacob Bauer (hamstring) and Liam Fawcett (back) are also out of action.
Injury-plagued defender Josh Gibcus will have a run after missing all last AFL season, while recruit Josh Koschitzke and draftee Kane McAuliffe are in the squad as well.
