Christian Petracca won’t play again in 2024 after suffering lacerated spleen

After two severe injuries left Christian Petracca in the intensive care unit in a Melbourne hospital, a decision has been made on his immediate playing future.

Melbourne star Christian Petracca won’t play again in 2024 as a result of the serious injuries he suffered in Monday’s King’s Birthday loss to Collingwood that included a lacerated spleen.

The Demons star, who remains in hospital after also suffering a punctured lung and broken ribs, confirmed the news on Instagram.

“I’m grateful I still have the opportunity to give it my all again in 2025,” he posted from his hospital bed.

“In the meantime, I’ll be cheering the boys on from the sidelines and making some tasty meals in the kitchen.”

Melbourne then revealed that medical advice confirmed Petracca wouldn’t be able to return to contact training for a minimum of 12 weeks, meaning the Demons midfielder would only be eligible to return to training during the AFL finals series, effectively ruling out a 204 return.

But in better news Petracca has been moved out of the ICU and to a general ward, where he remains in good spirits despite the unfortunate news.

Melbourne star Christian Petracca won’t play again in 2024.

The 28-year-old was left with four broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and a small puncture in a lung, requiring emergency surgery to stop the bleeding, after a collision with Collingwood captain Darcy Moore in the first quarter.

Petracca played on in the second term before being sent to hospital where the full extent of his injuries was revealed.

He was transferred from Epworth Hospital to the intensive care unit at The Alfred, before being moved on Thursday, where he posted about the end of his season.

Both Petracca and club officials defended the decision to allow him to go back on despite being under duress.

Petracca said it was “my decision” to play on, while football boss Alan Richardson said the doctors’ “swift action” played a key role in managing the situation.

“I want to make it clear that we have full confidence in how our medical team responded and the procedures they followed,” Richardson said.

“Their expertise and swift actions have been crucial in managing Christian’s injury and subsequent recovery.”

Originally published as Christian Petracca won’t play again in 2024 after suffering lacerated spleen