Christian Petracca tells Melbourne Demons he wants AFL trade with Adelaide Crows the front runner club
Demons star Christian Petracca has officially told Melbourne he wants to be traded as he “expressed his desire to explore a fresh start” next year.
Unlike 12 months ago when Petracca did not want to leave his home State, the Norm Smith medallist is believed to be open to a move to a non-Victorian club in contention.
Demons chief executive Paul Guerra confirmed in a letter to members on Tuesday that Petracca was exploring his options.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We met with Christian late last week where he expressed his desire to explore a fresh start,” he said.
“Christian is contracted for a further four years and is a once in a generation player. With this in mind, any decision regarding Christian’s future will be made in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club.”
Adelaide is the front runner to secure Petracca, who flew into Adelaide for talks with the club, accompanied by his wife Bella and manager Anna Scullie on Monday after he was given clearance to explore a move.
The Crows are desperate to lure a big-bodied midfielder of Petracca’s ilk and hold pick No.14 in this year’s draft and as well as full draft hands in 2026 and 2027.
Petracca is also believed to have spoken with Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick.
Complicating any pursuit of Petracca is the news his Melbourne teammate Judd McVee has told the Demons he wants to be traded to Fremantle.
Melbourne is in the market for Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders and will be eyeing Fremantle’s pick 11 as part of a pick swap involving half back McVee which they can send to the Suns.
Former Fremantle midfielder Scott Watters has forecast a top-four berth for the Dockers if they can entice Christian Petracca to the club.
The Dockers currently hold picks 11, 29, 38, 47 and 65, as well as future selections over the next two years at their disposal.
A tweak to the trade rules this year means clubs can now ship off picks two years in advance.
Watters has urged Fremantle to throw everything at Petracca, who is contracted to the end of 2029 with peak earnings of $1.7 million.
“Fremantle is a great destination for Christian Petracca who need a big-bodied, explosive midfielder to support (Caleb) Serong, (Andrew) Brayshaw and (Hayden) Young,” Watters said.
“With Petracca in the side they would almost be guaranteed top four in 2026.
“The WA lifestyle could freshen him up. He’s 29. He could play another five or six years.
“As well as that midfield role he could go forward. Imagine Petracca and Young rotating through the forward line?”
The trade period opens on October 6.
Originally published on The Nightly
