Christian Petracca dominates for Melbourne in the club’s Marsh Series win over Adelaide

With 38 disposals and three goals – this was the Christian Petracca Melbourne fans have been desperate to see. But his form does leave Demons coach Simon Goodwin with one huge question.

Christian Petracca finished with 38 disposals and three goals. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne supporters that have spent the summer daydreaming over topless photos of Christian Petracca must’ve wondered what his physical transformation would mean for season 2020.

On Saturday at Casey Fields that question was answered.

The explosive bull looked even better with the No. 5 jumper covering his refined rig as he played with the sort of impact Dustin Martin possesses.

The monster midfield performance leaves coach Simon Goodwin with one key question to answer.

Is Petracca, 24, best utilised as a penetrating onballer or a powerful forward?

Getting that mix right shapes as a crucial ingredient to the club’s resurgence. Petracca won 10 disposals in the first quarter and had 12 plus a goal in the second.

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Christian Petracca dominated in Melbourne’s clash with Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

He opened the third quarter with a hanger over Jordan Butts near full-forward as Melbourne’s 33-point win against Adelaide took second billing.

In a contract year it was the sort of pre-season performance that will drive his dollars in the opposite direction of his skinfolds.

There was a ferocious mow-down tackle on Rory Atkins and six centre clearances in a complete performance.

By the time the siren blew Petracca had 38 disposals, three goals yet still looked energetic. In five AFL seasons Petracca has never previously hit 30 touches.

If that’s a by-product of new fitness boss Darren Burgess then his huge price tag already looks worth the investment.

MAGICAL MINUTE

The Demons’ merchandise shop should start stocking up on No. 36 jumpers, because February games are about moments and Kysaiah ‘Kozzie’ Pickett didn’t disappoint. The No. 12 draft pick’s set-shot from 55m went out of bounds, but from that stoppage he collected a deft Jack Viney handball and curled through a right-foot goal at electrifying pace. From the next entry, Pickett danced around Billy Frampton with ease however pulled his kick right. Pickett was left gasping for air with his hands on knees from the repeat efforts in a sign he will take time … but the passage from Byron Pickett’s nephew that left the crowd of 3095 smiling.

PICK AND RUN

Melbourne showed its hand with a predictable but effective play at centre bounces. Nathan Jones would start at centre half-back and burst into the centre square as the designated wingman – often Christian Salem – started on the defensive side and peeled back into defence. The play allowed Demons’ onballers to sweep the clearance back to Jones. Jones booted the game’s first goal and back-to-back majors in the third – including a right-food bomb from 50m – showed there’s plenty of spark left in the former captain.

Kysaiah Pickett showed some exciting signs for the Demons. Picture: Getty Images

WEED SPROUTS IN THE MIDDLE

With Max Gawn and Brayden Preuss suffering knee injuries it was left to usual goalkicker Sam Weideman to shoulder the ruck load. While raw but nimble No. 3 draft pick Luke Jackson was given a taste, Weideman battled against Reilley O’Brien and, while he was beaten at the tap-outs, provided plenty of link work around the ground. If you didn’t know Jackson cut his teeth in the ruck you’d swear the Dees had recruited a tall midfielder.

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EYE-CATCHING GOALKICKERS

It looked as if new Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks had raided a Dutch volleyball team for his new-look forward line as bright blonde bombshells Elliott Himmelberg (200cm) and Billy Frampton (202cm) started as the key posts. They threatened at times although will need to build chemistry as former Crow Jake Lever helped himself to three intercept grabs in the first quarter. Former Tiger Tyson Stengle looked lively and Crows insiders are thrilled with his pre-season.

BEST

MELBOURNE: Petracca, Oliver, Jones, Salem, Langdon, Hibberd, Lever

ADELAIDE: Milera, B. Crouch, Atkins, O’Brien, M. Crouch, Gibbs, Poholke, Wilson

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Originally published as Christian Petracca dominates for Melbourne in the club’s Marsh Series win over Adelaide