Petracca Leads Players-Only Meeting

Christian Petracca recently took the lead in a players-only meeting at the Melbourne Football Club to share his feelings about the team’s current direction.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been in the spotlight due to reports suggesting he may be unhappy and could consider leaving the team, even though he is under contract until 2029.

Last week, the club acknowledged that there were frustrations among the players after failing to make the finals. They also mentioned that a review is in progress to diagnose areas for improvement in their football program.

Despite the rumors, the Demons stated firmly that neither Petracca nor four-time best and fairest winner Clayton Oliver would be leaving the club.

Max Gawn, the captain, hinted earlier in the day that there would be discussions between the players and Petracca over the next couple of weeks as they wrap up the season.

According to sources, the meeting took place on Monday, and Petracca opened up about his recent experiences stemming from an injury during a game. He faced a serious health scare after an incident with Collingwood‘s Darcy Moore.

Petracca suffered multiple injuries, including a lacerated spleen and a punctured lung, which required emergency surgery. He also spoke openly about how this traumatic experience affected his mental health.

After taking time off for recovery, he returned to training with the team last week and has not publicly addressed the trade rumors.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin acknowledged the severity of Petracca’s injury and emphasized the importance of mental health support. Gawn expressed satisfaction with Petracca’s decision to take time away for healing.

Despite the Demons’ recent struggles, they managed to bounce back with a big win against Gold Coast, even without Petracca or Oliver in the lineup.

Additionally, seasoned forward Ben Brown announced his retirement from football, wrapping up a career that included a premiership win in 2021.

Overall, the team is now focused on addressing any internal issues and preparing for a stronger comeback in the following season.