Christian Petracca reflects on his first game back from life-threatening rib injury

He may not have had the result he wanted, but Christian Petracca showed he hasn’t lost any touch in his first game back from injury – while being thrilled with his ‘infectious’ young teammates.

His superb return to football could not deliver a win for Melbourne, but Christian Petracca is optimistic the young talent blooded against GWS can help the Demons return to finals contention.

Returning to the scene of the horror injuries that ended his season in round 13 last year, Petracca was among Melbourne’s best with 27 disposals and two goals before the Giants clawed over the line by three points on Sunday.

The former Norm Smith medallist was disappointed by how the game had slipped away, but said the energy of a Demons side boasting five AFL debutants and new recruit Harry Sharp had been “infectious”.

A broad smile crept across his face when he spoke about the first goals kicked by mature-age recruits Jack Henderson and Aidan Johnson in the first quarter.

“We’ve really tried to bring the fun back to the program, and tried to bring as much energy as we can,” Petracca said.

“We’re a really young team, which is awesome. That energy is infectious … the more we can do it, the better we’ll be in the long run.

Christian Petracca made his return on Sunday. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I thought ‘X’ (Xavier Lindsay), his ability to be calm under pressure was awesome. Harvey (Langford), when he came on, I thought his ground ball stuff was really good.

“From a game point of view, I think we can hold our heads high. Our effort and intensity were there for the full four quarters … that’s all we can ask.

“There’s things we can improve on, no doubt, but credit to GWS, they are a great team that never gave up.

Petracca said he was heavily invested in developing the Demons’ younger players, after second-year speedster Caleb Windsor and third-year forward Matt Jefferson also played important roles against the Giants.

“(Recruiting boss) Jason Taylor and (list boss) Tim Lamb do an incredible job every year of bringing in fresh talent,” he said.

“I think it’s important – I’m 29, 30 next year … these guys are the ones who are going to carry the club for the next five years, and I’m going to try to help them and develop them as much as I can.”

Tom Sparrow and Xavier Lindsay celebrate a goal. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Petracca said he “would not change anything” about his life-threatening ordeal last year, which had contributed to a decision to pursue a trade from the club which he quickly backed away from.

“I don’t think you realise what you’ve got until it’s been taken away from you. To be back with teammates, and back with the club is just a special feeling,” he said.

“I’m in a really good headspace … I honestly wouldn’t change anything from what I went through last year, both from an injury point of view and all the other stuff.

“When you get challenged in life, it really makes you grow … the post-traumatic growth I’ve had from that has been really significant.”

The star midfielder would not be drawn on questions over his recent split from management group Connors Sports to sign with agent Anna Scullie, who is yet to be accredited by the AFL.

“I appreciate all that Connors Sports has done for me, but I’m just going in a different direction. I’m 29 years old now, I’m able to manage my stuff myself,” he said.

Originally published as Christian Petracca reflects on his first game back from life-threatening rib injury