Christian Petracca returns to Melbourne pre-season after trade drama

Christian Petracca has made a welcome return to Melbourne, putting his trade threat in the past as he looks to launch into 2025. SEE THE FIRST PICTURES HERE

The man who explored a trade out of the club on the back of life-threatening injuries last season was all smiles alongside brilliant onballer Clayton Oliver and coach Simon Goodwin in his first session back at Gosch’s Paddock.

Petracca and Oliver both explored moves out of the club amid serious talks with Melbourne leaders which led to the resignations of president Kate Roffey and Gary Pert post-season.

But the sensational playmakers appeared to have put those troubles behind them on Friday as they embraced on the boundary line and shared a laugh before the two-hour session began.

Importantly, Petracca, 28, had no issues with any contact and was involved in full-ground simulation and tackling after suffering a lacerated spleen and punctured lung in the Round 14 King’s Birthday clash against Collingwood, requiring emergency surgery.

It is clear Petracca has already made significant progress in his recovery from his serious injuries and is on track to play preseason games in the lead up to Round 1 in a major boost for Goodwin’s men.

There were concerns Petracca may face mental and physical hurdles accepting contact at training and in games following the internal injuries.

But the Norm Smith medalist didn’t hesitate tackling teammates and winning contested possessions on Friday in scorching heat in a positive step in his return to playing at the top level.

He also happily mixed with teammates following allegations there was a wedge between him and senior Demons as he weighed up a difficult move.

Petracca’s season was ended after being hospitalised. Picture: Michael Klein

Petracca lays prone after being collected by Moore. Picture: Michael Klein

But the trade went nowhere, and Petracca has quickly set his sights on regaining lost fitness and match conditioning after sitting out the second half of last season as his organs healed.

Petracca had already begun light contact work during some holiday time in Noosa recently after missing the best and fairest to attend a Red Bull training camp in Austria.

Petracca is one of the best players in the AFL and is keen to help drive Melbourne back into the top eight next season after a terrible year falling out of the finals mix in 2024.

The club is looking to shake up its game plan and leadership structure and went to work on some fast-paced short kicking in the main session on Friday.

Captain Max Gawn and gun wingman Ed Langdon were absent as they are on an overseas cycling trip.

President Brad Green was also on hand to watch training as he ramps up the search for a new CEO to replace Pert.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox is expected to be top of the club’s wish list.

Former MCC chairman Steve Smith has nominated for a vacant board position as part of a plan to take over as president next year after a pre-planned overseas holiday.

Originally published as Christian Petracca returns to Melbourne pre-season after trade drama