Melbourne CEO Gary Pert rebuffs speculation Christian Petracca wants out of the club

One commentator said hell would have to freeze over for Melbourne to trade Christian Petracca and the club has responded to the speculation.

Christian Petracca’s season was over after copping a Darcy Moore knee in the ribs late in June. Picture: Michael Klein

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert has moved to shut down speculation over the future of injured star Christian Petracca, declaring he will stay a Demon for the remainder of his seven year contract “and hopefully beyond”.

But he also said changes were coming after a “disappointing” season, with the Demons set to miss the finals, and Petracca had been involved in “open and constructive” conversations about necessary changes at the club.

Responding to reports Petracca, who suffered a season-ending injury in round 14, was disillusioned with the club after a lacklustre season and could seek a trade despite being contracted until the end of 2029, Pert was emphatic.

“Christian is an integral and much-loved member of the Melbourne Football Club. He is a key pillar of our club’s future, and we value him immensely, not only as a player but as a person and a leader,” Pert said in a letter to members.

“He has been an important member of our football program since he walked through the doors in 2014 and is contracted until the end of the 2029 season. He will remain in the red and blue until at least the end of his contract and hopefully beyond.

“Following his season-ending injury in June, Christian is still very much in a recovery and rehabilitation period and his health and wellbeing remain the club’s priority.

“He recently spent some time away in Noosa with his fiancee Bella, and I know staff, players, coaches and our supporters were thrilled to see him back at the club late last week as he commenced some very light training.

Christian Petracca will remain in the red and blue until at least the end of his contract.

Letter from Gary Pert 📝 | https://t.co/U8hEI7mtCYpic.twitter.com/EKmenuHGDQ

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 13, 2024

“As we approach the end of the season, we have commenced discussions with a cross-section of players, coaches and staff within our football program to discuss the improvements we need to make to return to the level we expect from our AFL program.”

Among the reported concerns for Petracca was the direction of the club, which won a premiership in 2021 but hasn’t won a final since.

Pert said discussions were already under way about what was needed to address the lack of recent success.

“The 2024 season has been disappointing for us all and we must quickly turn our attention to what is required moving forward, both on and off the field, to ensure we climb back up the ladder,” he said.

“A key part of this process is openly discussing any opportunities we identify where we can seek to improve. Over recent weeks there have been conversations with many of our leaders, Christian included, about our opportunities for growth. These conversations have been open and constructive, with the purpose of ensuring that together we achieve the success we know our AFL program is capable of.

“Conversations like these are a regular part of footy and will continue over the next few weeks as we map out a clear path towards ensuring our AFL program is back in finals contention in 2025.”

Originally published as Melbourne CEO Gary Pert rebuffs speculation Christian Petracca wants out of the club