‘Is the writing on the wall?’ Why new AFL home could beckon for Dees star

As Christian Petracca’s midfield time at Melbourne decreases and the club moves into a new era, could he embrace a permanent forward role? If not, is Hawthorn the perfect fit for the Norm Smith medallist?

Petracca’s on-ball usage has dropped over the last six weeks including the 29-year old attending only seven centre bounce attendances against West Coast as the likes of Kysaiah Pickett and Caleb Windsor have gotten greater midfield opportunities.

It comes 12 months after Petracca contemplated a trade from the Demons amid links to Carlton and Collingwood, before he ultimately stayed put.

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And Chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark has posed whether the Hawks could be a perfect landing spot for Petracca should he want to remain in a midfield role.

“Is the writing on the wall for Christian Petracca at Melbourne?,” Clark posed on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.

“A month ago Petracca, had 27 centre bounce attendances in the Melbourne midfield. But clearly we are seeing a new way under Simon Goodwin. Over the past month, those (midfield) numbers have really reduced.

“It doesn’t feel like there’s a (trade) market for Clayton Oliver at the moment and Jack Viney is a Demon for life. Petracca is the one who has been frozen out.

“So hasn’t he got a big decision to make over the next couple of weeks before the end of the season. Can he accept he could be more of a permanent forward at Melbourne as the new era settles in? Like Toby Greene. Or does he at 29 years of age still think he can be that superstar on-baller?

“Because if he does, maybe that has to be at another club. We talked a lot about Collingwood and Carlton las year, is the best fit for him Hawthorn?

“They have all the key forwards. But we see Wil Day go down with the foot injury, which is an absolute disaster. Jai Newcombe has had a so-so year. What is it they need to compliment and round out this side to make Hawthorn a genuine premiership contender? Is it a powerful midfielder?”

Saints legend Leigh Montagna thinks Hawthorn would be a great fit for the four-time All-Australian, but would “love to see” him play as a permanent forward who pinch hits in the middle.

“(Hawthorn) need another star midfielder, absolutely, particularly with Will Day (out),” Montagna said.

“But I would love to see Petracca stay at Melbourne, I think he can be a very, very good forward. I would love to see him play a full season predominantly inside 50, he can still go and pinch hit in the midfield when required.

“I think that would be a good fit for Melbourne when they transition. But it’s probably up to him, whether he’s prepared to play that role.”

Meanwhile Kangaroos great David King believes a Petracca-Demons split could be a win-win for both parties.

“I think they have to step on the gas on the rebuild,” King said.

“Sometimes the best result for Melbourne is saying: ‘You’ve been great for us and we’re going to make a decision good for both of us. We’re amicable, but we have to part company. You have to go get us some high-end picks in and let us be aggressive going forward’

“Try and give what’s left here an opportunity to win while they’re old.”

PETRACCA’S MIDFIELD DROP OFF

Round 16 v Gold Coast – 26 CBAs (team ranked No. 3)

Round 17 v Adelaide – 23 CBAs (No. 2)

Round 18 v North Melbourne – 27 CBAs (No. 2)

Round 19 v Carlton – 20 CBAs (No. 4)

Round 20 v St Kilda – 12 CBAs (No. 6)

Round 21 v West Coast – 7 CBAs (No. 6)