Christian Petracca responds to reported interest from Collingwood

Melbourne is flying at the moment but that hasn’t stopped midfielder Christian Petracca being linked with an exit from the Demons.

Christian Petracca of the Demons marks during the round 3 AFL match between the GWS Giants and the Melbourne Demons at Manuka Oval. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca says he wants to stay at the club beyond 2022, after being linked to a move to his childhood club Collingwood.

Magpies great Tony Shaw claimed on Sunday afternoon the team was set to target Petracca, either this off-season or when he comes out of contract at the end of next year.

“I think it makes real sense – the bloke is an out-and-out superstar and a Collingwood supporter as a kid,” Shaw said.

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Asked about the report on Tuesday night’s edition of AFL 360, Petracca declared it was “noise”, pointing to his existing contract.

“I did see it. I got a fair few text messages, few group chats from mates, but it’s all noise,” he said on Fox Footy.

“I’m contracted for two years. At the moment we’re 3-0, that’s all I really care about is just winning games of footy.

“I’ve been at the club six, seven years now, and I give so much back to the club. I’ve created so many friendships with them. It’s great.

“I’m there for two more years, so, at the moment we’re playing great footy. We’re 3-0. The club’s in great form, and we’ve just got to keep going.”

Petracca’s relationship with Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury was cited as a potential factor in any move for the midfield bull.

As a childhood Magpies fan, Pendlebury was Petracca’s idol, and the pair spoke throughout the 2020 pre-season before the Demon’s breakout year.

“There’s a bond, but I’ve also done some work with Travis Boak, it doesn’t mean I’m going to Port Adelaide. He’s just someone I’ve really looked up to growing up,” Petracca said.

Asked whether he wants to be at Melbourne beyond his current contract, he replied: “Yeah, I do. I love the club.”

He later added: “Being a one-club player is pretty special.”

Petracca, 25, finished third in last year’s Brownlow Medal count after a stellar fifth AFL season in which he averaged 23.5 disposals and almost a goal a week.

Originally published as Christian Petracca responds to reported interest from Collingwood