Petracca and Melbourne Could Be Heading for a Shock Split
So, here’s where things get really interesting in the AFL world right now. Word has emerged that Melbourne and Christian Petracca, one of the club’s biggest names, might actually be open to parting ways. Now, this isn’t being framed as a messy break-up or a demand from either side, but rather as a situation where, if the right trade came along, both parties would be willing to explore it.
Channel 9’s Tom Morris has been reporting that things are moving “delicately and cautiously” with Petracca. That’s probably the best way to put it, because while he’s still very highly valued by the Demons—and even placed in the new coach Steven King’s “best 25” alongside Clayton Oliver—there’s a bit of openness about his future. The Melbourne CEO, Paul Guerra, even made it clear on 3AW that both Petracca and Oliver are considered superstars by the club. They’re contracted, they’re loved, and they’re key pieces of the team. But the undercurrent of possibility is definitely there.
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It’s not the first time Petracca’s name has been floated in trade discussions. Just last year, he looked at moving after that frightening, life-threatening injury he suffered in the King’s Birthday clash against Collingwood. Despite being locked into a massive seven-year deal he signed after the 2021 premiership, which still has four years left to run, the idea of a trade hasn’t gone away. Of course, that long-term contract makes any move complex and expensive, but not impossible.
What’s fueling the speculation is Petracca’s known desire to play on the MCG in front of huge crowds, particularly for one of the powerhouse Melbourne-based clubs. Names like Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond, and Hawthorn have been tossed around as potential suitors. Out of that group, Hawthorn seems the most aggressive in pursuing him. They’ve been linked to Petracca throughout this season, with coach Sam Mitchell already making moves to meet rival players and shape his list. The Hawks have a decent hand at the draft—picks 8, 26, 55, and 69—and could even add another second-rounder if James Worpel leaves as a free agent.
Now, Petracca’s value would easily command two first-round picks and some promising young talent. Players like Cam Mackenzie or Henry Hustwaite have already been mentioned as names that might come into play. That’s the kind of package Melbourne might actually find tempting, especially as they look to refresh their list while still competing.
The bigger picture here is that neither side wants to look like they’re pushing the other out. It’s more of a “wait and see” if the right deal materializes. For Petracca, it could be about chasing new opportunities and fulfilling that dream of playing for another powerhouse. For Melbourne, it’s about weighing up whether the return could strengthen the club long term.
So, while nothing is imminent, the ground is definitely shifting. The whispers are getting louder, and the possibility of Christian Petracca in another jumper come 2026 doesn’t feel as far-fetched as it once did.
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