Demons adamant Christian Petracca will stay, include him in talks about their future

Melbourne have informed members they are undertaking a review of their football program after it was reported that premiership midfielder Christian Petracca was disillusioned with the club’s direction.

A letter from club chief executive Gary Pert reassured members that Petracca was a valued member of the group and would serve the full length of his contract, which runs until the end of 2029.

However, Pert did reveal that the club was engaging a cross-section of players, coaches and staff within the football program, including Petracca, to “discuss the improvements we need to make to return to the level we expect from our AFL program.”

After being eliminated from the finals in straight sets in the past two seasons following their 2021 premiership in Perth, the club has slipped to 13th on the ladder and out of finals contention with two games remaining.

Petracca has been recovering from a spleen injury suffered in the King’s Birthday match when he copped a knee in the side from Collingwood’s Darcy Moore that led to him being hospitalised and having emergency surgery. He has spoken publicly of the trauma of being in hospital, and the club has allowed him time away in Noosa to recuperate and freshen up mentally.

“The 2024 season has been disappointing for us all, and we must quickly turn our attention to what is required moving forward, both on and off the field, to ensure we climb back up the ladder,” Pert wrote.

“A key part of this process is openly discussing any opportunities we identify where we can seek to improve. Over recent weeks there have been conversations with many of our leaders, Christian included, about our opportunities for growth.”

The club is not describing the process as a review, instead saying it was “a regular part of football”. However, after a diabolical off-season, the move is an attempt to reassure supporters the Demons are addressing any concerns among senior players and about their program.