New Melbourne president Brad Green calls for unity at Demons, says Clayton Oliver will stay

Invoking the spirit of Melbourne greats Ron Barassi and Jim Stynes, new president Brad Green has called for unity at the strife-torn AFL club.

After the Demons dropped out of the top eight this season, Green said on Friday night that they are within “touching distance” of returning to their best.

The former star Melbourne player was speaking at the club’s best-and-fairest function, a month after taking over from Kate Roffey as president.

Green also confirmed Clayton Oliver would be at the club next season, ending weeks of rampant trade speculation around the disgruntled midfielder.

After their drought-breaking 2021 premiership, the Demons had straight-sets finals exits in the next two seasons amid a succession of off-field issues.

“I bleed red and blue and this club means everything to me. I know the last two years, especially the AFL ... has been hard,” Green said.

“There isn’t a single Melbourne member or supporter who wouldn’t say they haven’t felt a sting.

“Right now, we are not in the best position, but we are certainly not in the worst either. This is a strong club ... and we are in touching distance of being back to our best.”

The Demons are conducting two reviews in the wake of their disappointing 2024 AFL campaign. Green said the key to renewed success is unity.

“We will realign ourselves and together we will take this club back to where it belongs,” he said.

“What I do know is we do need stability and unity ... the only way back to the top is banding together.

“Melbourne people stand up, stand tall in tough times. Look no further than Ron Barassi and Jim Stynes.

“These are people who have showed what it means to be a Melbourne person, and they have stood when the club has needed them.”

Barassi, who died last year, and Stynes, who died in 2012, are two of the most revered figures in the club’s history and all-time AFL greats.

A year ago, chief executive Gary Pert said the culture at Melbourne was the best he had seen in 40 years of involvement in football - a declaration that has aged badly given ongoing problems at the club.