Christian Petracca makes first public statement as Melbourne CEO Gary Pert moves on

Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca has spoken publicly for the first time since his frustrations with the club became public.

Petracca endured a tumultuous year at the Demons with a traumatic injury during the King’s Birthday clash against Collingwood ending his season in June.

In addition to the lacerated spleen, he suffered four broken ribs and a punctured lung, and spent nearly a week in ICU after undergoing emergency surgery.

He struggled with his mental health in the immediate aftermath of the injury, and then reports circulated he wanted to be traded at the end of the season.

But at the end of August, the club released a statement saying Petracca remained “committed to playing for the red and blue”.

The statement also included quotes from Petracca saying: “I make no apologies for wanting to better our club and contribute to our success both on and off the field”.

He also appeared in a club-produced video, but failed to address any of his reported issues with the club.

The Demons’ culture has constantly been questioned and more queries were raised post-season when trade reports surrounding superstar Clayton Oliver circulated.

CEO Gary Pert officially stepped down on Thursday, less than two months after Kate Roffey quit her post as president.

Speaking at a Melbourne Cup promotional event shortly before the Pert news broke, Petracca was asked specifically about the club’s culture.

“For me, culture is an interesting word, it’s a high performance industry and for me we’re always trying to improve and get better,” he said.

“And I think for me, getting good people through the door is the right thing and we’ve had healthy conversations and like any industry we’re looking to improve.”

Petracca also said he was “fully committed” to the club and hit back at suggestions he was disappointed.

“Disappointing is a strong word, I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed, that’s the media’s job to report on issues and for me, all I’m trying to focus on right now is my rehab and my injury, and just being ready for day one of pre-season,” he said.

“I love my job, I’m passionate about footy and that’s all I’m focusing on right now.”

Petracca was criticised for skipping the club’s best and fairest night to embark on a training camp in Austria.

He said he has returned feeling fresh and can’t wait for day one of pre-season.

“It was awesome, I really needed it. Obviously with my injury, I had a compromised year so to get over there and train was amazing,” he said.

“I’m just in a really good head space with everything, just excited for day one of pre-season.

“Body is feeling great, in a really good spot, just some testing around my ribs and abs, everything is really good.

“I love my teammates, love the boys. I think over off-season it’s hard to connect to them because everyone gets away, switches off and refreshes. But come day one of pre-season, I’m looking forward to seeing them.”