A contracted Demon will reportedly remain at Melbourne in 2024 despite rival interest this off-season.
Key forward Harrison Petty was understood to be receiving overtures from Adelaide as the Crows and Demons negotiate the terms of forward Shane McAdam's Melbourne move.
The Demons will need to cough up capital of some kind in a trade deal for McAdam, though Petty, who is a contracted Demon until at least the end of 2025, won't be Adelaide-bound in 2024, according toย AFL Media journalist Cal Twomey on Thursday.
The 23-year-old, who participated in Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 flag win, played 14 games in 2023 and kicked 12 goals - a tally that included a match-winning six-goal bag against Richmond in Round 20.
Petty played a crucial role in Melbourne's 2021 premiership as a defender, playing 19 games that season, including the Grand Final. However, the flexible utility underwent a positional change this season, swiftly developing into a formidable forward-50 target prior to an ankle injury against North Melbourne in Round 21 that ended his 2023 campaign.
Hailing from South Australia, Adelaide's interest in facilitating a Petty homecoming was understandable, though it always seemed unlikely he would be part of a McAdam deal.
It has been a big week for Melbourne heading into the trade period, with rumours swirling regarding superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver's potential shock departure after an injury-interrupted season.
SEE ALSO: TRADE NEWS & RUMOURS
The Crows are one of the multiple clubs that loom as a potential suitor for Oliver, along with Essendon, Geelong, Sydney, and St Kilda.
The bombshell reports came as a major bombshell given the four-time best and fairest winner is contracted at Melbourne until the end of the 2030 season.
The AFL Trade Period will run from October 9 until October 18.
