AFL trade news: Demons star Christian Petracca responds to Collingwood link

“I think he suits exactly what they need.” 👀

FORMER EDITOR | April 7, 2021 - 9:44am

Christian Petracca in black and white? Don't get too excited just yet Pies fans.

The Melbourne star has revealed he intends to re-sign with the Demons beyond his current deal amid links to his childhood club Collingwood.

Magpies legend Tony Shaw said on 3AW over the weekend that he believes Petracca will be a priority target for his former side either this year or when he comes out of contract at the end of 2022.

“I think Christian Petracca is Collingwood’s target,” Shaw told 3AW.

“He is contracted next year but that doesn’t mean a hell of a lot.

“That’s what I’ve heard, that Christian Petracca will be the target for Collingwood.

“He won’t be getting paid $1.5 (million). There is no way known he’d be getting paid $1.5.

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

“I think he suits exactly what they need. They need a bull. (Scott) Pendlebury’s in the 30s, (Steele) Sidebottom’s in the 30s.”

"He is Collingwood's trade target."https://t.co/9VSG9FHVQD

— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 4, 2021

However, speaking on Fox Footy's AFL360 on Monday night, Petracca hosed down the prospect of him departing the red and blue.

“I got a fair few text messages, few group chats from mates, but it’s all noise,” Petracca said regarding his link to the Pies.

“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.”

"I'm there for two more years ... I love the club."

Christian Petracca responds to a report claiming his childhood club Collingwood will target the Demons gun on #AFL360.

STORY: https://t.co/yjaJHhPt7B pic.twitter.com/pqYrySc9yw

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) April 6, 2021

Further fuelling talk of Petracca's potential move to the Holden Centre is his friendship with Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury, who he idolised growing up.

But as Petracca pointed out, he has many friendships throughout the league and it won't necessarily dictate where he plays his footy.

“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 directly if he plans to re-sign with the Dees beyond his current deal, Petracca said: “Yeah, I do. I love the club," latter adding “being a one-club player is pretty special.”

The star onballer is coming off a career-best season in 2020 where he averaged 23.5 disposals and almost a goal a week, finishing third in the Brownlow Medal and winning Melbourne's best and fairest.

He has continued his stellar form in 2021, averaging a career-high 27.7 disposals and booting three goals through the first three rounds (106.7 AFL Fantasy, 91 SuperCoach).