By Peter Ryan
Melbourne star Christian Petracca consulted trusted confidants both inside and outside the club – including teammates – last week before choosing to put an end to trade speculation, while moves are being made to convince a former player and Melbourne Cricket Club chairman to join the board.
Petracca’s carefully chosen words were part of a club statement released on the same day as he made it clear to the club he would remain with the Demons, where he is contracted until the end of 2029.
Max Gawn and Christian Petracca were involved in a meeting with other leaders of the Demons’ playing group.Credit: Artwork: Marija Ercegovac
His statement indicated that his primary motivation for enduring weeks of speculation about his future, and where his motivations lay, was simple: To make the football club, and its culture, better so they can regularly contend for premierships again. That was backed up by an industry source familiar with Petracca’s thinking who wished to remain anonymous to speak freely.
Petracca also debunked any notion that he hoped to leave Melbourne to improve his brand and play in front of bigger crowds.
“I love my footy – it remains my number one priority and always has been,” Petracca said.
After those discussions with trusted parties, Petracca was satisfied enough that broad issues would be addressed to commit to rolling up his sleeves and contribute to finding solutions for Melbourne to end the external discussion. It’s not clear if any commitments were made to Petracca.
However, what has become clear is that the hierarchy is now on notice that change needs to be made in the best interests of the club, with powerbrokers looking to Steven Smith to step up. Smith, who retired from his legal career several months ago, is believed to be weighing up the move according to two sources with knowledge of his thinking who preferred to remain anonymous due to the private nature of conversations.
That’s where attention will now turn with skipper Max Gawn – who has been forced to address the issues constantly in the post-season – admitting on Triple M radio on Friday that the external communication of the club’s position had not matched the communication internally.
“There has definitely been multiple times where key leaders have got out and maybe said something that they potentially shouldn’t have,” Gawn said. “But, internally, I am extremely proud of the conversations we are having.”
President Kate Roffey’s underwhelming interview on Whateley on Thursday, when the searchlight for her became a spotlight, has put her under pressure.
Known as someone confident enough to speak publicly without notes, she could not find the words to meet the moment, despite being prepared for what was to come when in front of the microphone.
An internal review being conducted by CEO Gary Pert is already well-advanced, however Roffey refused to accept that an independent review conducted by people outside the club was necessary during her now infamous interview.
Carlton conducted an independent review into their football department in 2021, while St Kilda president Andrew Bassat conducted a review of the Saints in 2022. Demons great David Schwarz has called for his club to hold an independent review, as has board challenger Peter Lawrence.
Melbourne president Kate Roffey, pictured with CEO Gary Pert, came under fire for her interview with Gerard Whateley on ThursdayCredit: AFL Photos
Petracca – with some justification according to those close to him – wants to move forward, using the off-season to wind down to recuperate from the serious injuries he suffered on King’s Birthday and let the club get on with the job after a gruelling week that included the prospect of a trade being raised.
A source familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous due to the nature of the conversations, said Petracca had not directly requested a trade but made it clear that, unless the club seriously addressed ongoing concerns, he would be open to exploring that option.
It was not delivered as an ultimatum but as a sign to his level of frustration.
Those close to Petracca understood such a move would be difficult to achieve while the Demons remain united and steadfast in their refusal to entertain moving on their star midfielder.
Steven Smith played more than 200 games for the Demons and is a former MCC president.Credit: Joe Armao
According to a club source who wanted to remain anonymous, Petracca had been in good spirits at the club’s “wacky Wednesday”, with his ability to repeat famous movie lines and Luna Park smile both on full display. His teammates, although bemused that his dissatisfaction could lead to a trade request, had been comfortable with the direction of the conversations they were having with their teammate and will be happy he’s staying.
The club is also throwing its support behind Kysaiah Pickett, who does not want to be traded but informed the club last week he felt homesick at times.
A source close to Pickett, who preferred to remain anonymous to speak freely, said that was reinforced post-season when he caught up with AFL footballers playing in Western Australia who encouraged him to think about joining them. However, a trade has never been seriously considered.
The club was contacted on Sunday but chose not to comment on what led to Petracca’s decision to put an end to the speculation. Smith was also contacted for comment.
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