Christian Petracca vented his frustrations over the club’s handling of his life-threatening King’s Birthday game injury at a players-only meeting last weekend, leaving his Demons teammates “with little confidence he’ll be a Melbourne player in 2025”.
That’s according to a report from The Age, which details a meeting between Petracca and club leaders captain Max Gawn, vice-captain Jack Viney and Tom Sparrow at Gawn’s Hawthorn wine bar Motor. Jake Lever was absent due to illness.
Petracca “aired his grievances” during the three-hour meeting and while it ended “with hugs, handshakes and high-fives” those in attendance came out of it thinking the superstar midfielder is more likely to go than stay.
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The concerns raised by Petracca included:
– A belief “Melbourne people did not check in with him enough” after the injuries which were so serious, doctors at one point thought he “might not make it”;
– Alex Neal-Bullen’s looming departure after a trade request back home to South Australia, with the Crows his expected destination;
– and the club’s well-known culture issues.
Petracca later told club officials during his Monday exit meeting about his interest in playing for another Victorian team in 2025.
He is yet to request a trade and appears unlikely to do so unless a realistic option emerges.
Carlton is thought to be the leading contender, given its assets like Harry McKay, but if McKay is unwilling to move it would make them a difficult prospect.
Collingwood, the other top option, does not have a first-round pick nor the type of player Melbourne would want in return.
Petracca “has told coach Simon Goodwin and other senior figures that he is frustrated with continuously playing in front of small crowds”, according to the report, and that playing for a bigger team “could increase his brand and marketability”.
Melbourne is also bracing for a potential trade request from Kysaiah Pickett, who has a level of homesickness.
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