Demon’s ‘nuclear’ trade lever as details of teammates’ ‘frustrations’ emerge

Despite Melbourne categorically saying Christian Petracca is going nowhere, there’s a “nuclear” option he could use to force his way out.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Christian Petracca of the Demons leaves the field injured during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Despite Melbourne categorically saying Christian Petracca is going nowhere, there’s a “nuclear” option in front of the star Demon that would force Melbourne to trade him to a Victorian rival.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph revealed on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that Petracca could use a process through the AFL’s collective bargaining agreement where the AFL would step in to broker a trade through mediation.

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Rumours continue to circulate around Petracca’s future at the Demons as he becomes increasingly frustrated.

“He will do anything he wants in the next six weeks to get himself outside of the Melbourne Football Club, he’s prepared to watch the world burn if it gets him to the club of his choice,” Ralph began.

Petracca wants out.

Petracca had been linked to both Carlton and Collingwood, although both clubs have all but ruled out a play for the Demons superstar.

So, what will Petracca do if the Dees don’t strike a deal? Ralph says there’s one last ditch option in front of Petracca.

“The nuclear option, if all else fails, it’s the AFL’s grievance process which is detailed in the CBA, it’s never been used before, he’d have to prove a breach of contract and the basis of that would be the club’s treatment of him,” Ralph said.

“There are some people in the industry that think he would have some sort of case, that’s an educated view.

“If all else fails, whether that’s public discussions or a tell all interview, he at least has one final throw at the stumps to say you must trade me. He’s going to hope it doesn’t get to that, but it is something that he could work through.

“Everyone talks about brand… people who are close to him would say he knows the damage he is doing to his brand right now and yet the fact he is so keen to be traded shows you the reasons that he has, he has powerful reasons to get out.”

Petracca could force the Demons’ hand. Pic: Michael Klein

It comes as reports circulate of growing resentment between the playing group.

“His teammates want clarity from Christian, ‘are you in or are you out?,” Ralph’s Herald Sun colleague Jay Clark said.

“Every day this uncertainty continues to drag on… the team culture is being dragged through the mud, it is taking a toll on the bond (between players).”

The Demons held a player only meeting last week, where Petracca opened up to teammates about the difficulties he has faced both mentally and physically in the past few months.

“They want clarity, I think Christian Petracca can play for the Melbourne Football Club next year, but there needs to be some repairing of some of the relationships,” Clark said.

Veteran reporter Mark Robinson also shed light on the situation on AFL 360, revealing some teammates were “frustrated” with Petracca.

“Melbourne were building a culture that led to a premiership in 2021. It’s gone a little off skew since then,” Robinson said.

“Can Christian Petracca and Melbourne get it back on track.

“Part of me says ‘suck it up princess, it’s not just about you’. You are not the footy club.

“I can see the Christian Petracca side but they’ve told him the love him, they told him the care for him.

“I don’t know if they can come together.”

With 45 days until the AFL Trade Period ends, the Christian Petracca saga looms as a fascinating watch.

Originally published as Demon’s ‘nuclear’ trade lever as details of teammates’ ‘frustrations’ emerge