Christian Petracca to become AFL’s $6 million man with monster contract

Several footy pundits have tipped him for the Brownlow Medal, and now Christian Petracca has signed a mammoth $6 million contract.

Christian Petracca of the Demons.

Christian Petracca has agreed to a mammoth contract extension with the Melbourne Demons, keeping him at the club through to 2029.

On Tuesday evening, Channel 7’s Tom Browne reported the 25-year-old was on the verge of putting pen to paper on a seven-year deal worth approximately $900,000-a-year.

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“A massive coup for Melbourne, a huge vote of confidence in the future of the club,” Browne told 7 News. “Petracca is next season’s highest-profile free agent — so many clubs are after him.

“A landmark deal is now imminent.”

On Wednesday morning, Melbourne confirmed the talented midfielder would be a Demon for life.

Christian Petracca of the Demons.

Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb said in a statement: “Christian will now be a Melbourne player for life and our members and supporters can look forward to cheering him on through what we are sure will be the best years of his career.

“Over the past couple of seasons, Christian has established himself as one of the competition’s elite players and we are confident his best is still to come.

“To turn his back on Free Agency, and what would have undoubtedly been significant offers from other clubs, is a testament to his character and shows how much he loves this club, his teammates, coaches and the environment we have worked so hard to create.

“It is an exciting time to be a part of the club and Christian has been unwavering in his commitment to being part of the journey we are on.

“He is focused on helping lead us to where we want to get to, and we can’t wait to see what he can produce in the red and blue for many more years to come.”

Christian Petracca of the Demons.

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Petracca has played 109 games since making his AFL debut in 2016, booting 102 goals for the Demons.

He was Melbourne’s leading goal-kicker in 2019, becoming an All-Australian for the first time last year.

Petracca has hit a new level this season, averaging 29 disposals and 7.3 inside 50s per game, putting him in the frame as a genuine contender to secure the coveted Brownlow Medal.

The Demons remain undefeated in 2021 after seven rounds — they next face the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Saturday evening.

“It just shows the brilliant start to their season, and what it has meant,” footy presenter Gerard Whateley told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday evening.

“They’ve answered all of their long-term questions in their first seven weeks.”