Christian Petracca one more week away from AFL debut

CHRISTIAN Petracca could be forced to wait one more week before making his heavily anticipated AFL debut, despite the Demon’s blistering VFL form.

Melbourne football training Christian Petracca Gosch's paddock Picture:Wayne Ludbey

CHRISTIAN Petracca could be forced to wait one more week before making his heavily anticipated AFL debut, despite the Demon’s blistering VFL form.

The No.2 draft pick from 2014 has starred for Casey Scorpions in consecutive weeks and ruckman Max Gawn said Petracca almost looked above VFL standard already.

But the return of Bernie Vince (suspension) and likely availability of Jeff Garlett (ankle) for Sunday night’s clash against Richmond could weigh against the explosive midfielder.

It is believed the Demons’ plan has long been to unleash their newest jet in Round 6 against St Kilda.

That would give Petracca, 20, a final hitout for Casey on Saturday night before a seven-day break leading into the Saints’ game at Etihad Stadium.

Petracca’s stunning form is likely to force a rethink, but the selection scramble means the club is likely to stick to its original plan.

St Kilda thought long and hard about taking Petracca with the No. 1 pick, but instead opted for spearhead Paddy McCartin.

Petracca boasts a mature body ready for AFL and was earmarked for a Round 1 debut last season before rupturing his ACL on the training track.

Christian Petracca has been in hot form in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein

He accumulated 29 disposals and 114 SuperCoach points in Sunday’s VFL win against Collingwood but was left out of the best players.

It backed up last week’s 31 disposals and two goals against Frankston.

He has been rebuilding fitness since missing six weeks due to a broken toe sustained attempting a slam dunk during the Christmas break.

Petracca was in the MCG rooms to celebrate the Dees’ impressive win against Collingwood with club staff openly thrilled with his progress.

“I managed to watch the first quarter before our game and Christian almost looks above that standard already,” Gawn said of Petracca’s VFL performance.

“He’s just got to keep doing what we want him to do and play our brand of footy and I’m sure a spot will open up for him soon.”

Scorpions coach Just Plapp praised his explosive power while Petracca made a name for himself as a junior with his combination of inside work and sharp goalsense.

Originally published as Christian Petracca one more week away from AFL debut