AFL 2022: Injured Melbourne star Christian Petracca ‘sick in the guts’ over Demons’ finals loss to Brisbane

One of Melbourne’s biggest stars has revealed his devastated reaction to the Demons’ shock finals exit at Brisbane’s hands.

Christian Petracca was “gutted” about the reigning premiers’ finals exit on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

Reigning premier Melbourne’s shock straight-sets finals exit left Christian Petracca “sick in the guts” as the Demons’ flag defence ended in another second-half fadeout.

Petracca finished the semi-final loss to Brisbane with a team-high 27 disposals despite playing with a hairline fracture in his right fibula after also shaking a corked calf in the week leading in.

Last year’s Norm Smith medallist sustained his injuries in the previous week’s qualifying final against Sydney and his status was spotlighted all week but he always intended on facing the Lions.

But Melbourne blew a 28-point lead just before half-time to go down by 13 points to a side it had beaten four times in a row dating to the start of last season.

Christian Petracca was disappointed with Melbourne’s finals exit. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re obviously gutted, absolutely gutted (and) sick in the guts a little bit,” Petracca told KIIS 101.1FM.

“But I think probably the biggest thing is it makes you really appreciate what we did last year and realise that nothing is given – you’ve got to earn it.

“This year everyone’s really even and strong and sometimes it’s your year and sometimes it’s not ... you have to appreciate it more when you actually celebrate, and when you win.”

Petracca played down the significance of his injury but admitted his right leg was “sore”.

Christian Petracca was a strong performer in Melbourne’s semi-final defeat to Brisbane despite playing with a minor leg fracture. Picture: Michael Klein

“I was always going to play, for sure,” he said.

“I mean, everyone plays sore, to be honest. You are never 100 per cent right throughout a game – there are always niggles and corkies and little bits here and there.

“I would’ve been more sore than usual, but I don’t really care, to be honest. I wanted to play, and win, a final.

“I’ve got a long time to recover. It’s a little bit swollen, but it’s OK.”

The Demons also gave up a 16-point lead in their qualifying final loss to the Swans, and bemoaned their repeated inability to capitalise fully on their midfield dominance.