Melbourne star Christian Petracca has declared that his future remains with the club, evidently turning over a new leaf after a "rollercoaster" 12 months.
Petracca's life-threatening injury has been widely documented, and is still being investigated by the AFL at the request of player governing body, AFLPA.
The 2021 premiership player had seemingly put both his desire to leave the club and his health issues to bed, before a cracked rib in the pre-season put a dampener on his progress.
However, Petracca has declared he is recommitted to the Demons and is focused on making the club great again after a sour 2024 campaign littered with controversy.
"I hope so, I hope I get selected (for Round 1)," Petracca quipped on Channel 7.
"I'm passionate. I'm competitive. And I want this club to be great.
Star Demon Christian Petracca has given a rare insight into his struggles to be ready for round one. The Melbourne champion also addressed his future at the club with Chief Football Reporter @cleary_mitch. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/icYd17LRaq
โ 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 20, 2025
"I had honest conversations about where I think we can improve as a footy club both on and off the field.
"Goody (Simon Goodwin) and the footy club have been awesome in the last five months in the pre-season devising a plan and making the club feel connected.
When probed about his future at the club, and the long-term contract that ends in 2029, his response was music to Demons fans' ears.
"Yes, definitely (I'll be here)," he added.
"I love the footy club. The connections I've built, my friendships, long-lasting friendships I made since I was 18 years old."
The return of Petracca and Clayton Oliver to their best football could see the Demons return to September after a down season.
Melbourne was able to regenerate their list, adding two first-round and highly-touted youngsters to the club.
All reports indicate that Harvey Langford is firming for a Round 1 debut whilst Jacob van Rooyen has taken leaps and bounds to becoming the star key forward the club has been crying out for.
"For us it's about constantly improving, getting better," Petracca said.
"We've got such a young and exciting list as well, and guys like myself need to step up and help the younger generation and make them better ... because, in five years time, I'll be 34 years old and playing at full forward."
Melbourne's 2025 campaign kicks off on Sunday, March 16 against GWS.
