Ongoing reports surrounding disgruntled Melbourne star Christian Petracca have continued to suggest the Norm Smith Medal winner "would prefer to play for another club in 2025".
Petracca's frustrations with the Demons' direction as he continues to recover from a season-ending spleen injury were brought to light last week, with the 28-year-old believed to be left so aggrieved that he would even request a trade if he did not have a deal with Melbourne for next season.
The Demons gun is signed with the club until the end of the 2029 season, with the Demons releasing a statement last week to rule out any thought of the two parties going their separate ways.
"Following the media speculation last night regardingย Christian Petracca, I want to take the opportunity to provide clarity to you all," CEO Gary Pert wrote to members.
"He has been an important member of our football program since he walked through the doors in 2014 and is contracted until the end of the 2029 season. He will remain in the red and blue until at least the end of his contract and hopefully beyond.
"The 2024 season has been disappointing for us all and we must quickly turn our attention to what is required moving forward, both on and off the field, to ensure we climb back up the ladder.
"A key part of this process is openly discussing any opportunities we identify where we can seek to improve. Over recent weeks there have been conversations with many of our leaders, Christian included, about our growth opportunities."
While the Demons, who hold the whip hand given Petracca's contract status, won't look to permit any trade request if one were to be lodged by their star midfielder, Petracca reportedly "wants to go".
Speaking onย Footy Furnaceย on Sunday,ย 9 Newsย reporter Tom Morris said Petracca and his management are "weighing up" their options.
"We reported on Monday night that he would leave if he was out of contract. That still remains the case. Clearly that's a hypothetical, but the truth is he wants to go. That is the truth," Morris said.
"What I don't know is whether that will lead to a trade request. Because it takes a bit of courage to make a trade request when you're not sure if you're going to be able to get out, because then you have to walk back into the club with your tail between your legs.
"That's, I think, what Petracca and his team are weighing up at the moment. He won't request a trade if he doesn't think he can get to another club. It's going to be seriously hard for that to happen.
"He would prefer to play for another club in 2025.ย But whether that can happen or not I don't know."
According toย News Corp,ย Petracca addressed his teammates on Monday, discussing his situation with the club and offering clarity on the aftermath of his injury, which was sustained in June.
Petracca was permitted time away from the club after his stint in hospital, with the four-time All-Australian having since managed to begin the exercise phase of his rehabilitation.
Few clubs would be able to satisfy Melbourne in any trade deal for Petracca, with multiple first-round selections likely required. Fremantle (Picks 9, 10 and 17) and Gold Coast (5, 13 and 20) are the only sides with more than one first-round selection for this year's draft.
St Kilda could add Pick 7 to their hand should they lose Josh Battle via free agency and pocket band one compensation, giving them Picks 6 and 7 for November's intake, a hand that could place them in contention for a Petracca pursuit.
Clubs are able to trade 2025 selections this off-season, while Richmond or North Melbourne could have enough draft capital with single selections as Picks 1 and 2 are set to fall their way this year.
The news surrounding Petracca came in the same week premiership forward Alex Neal-Bullen requested a trade to South Australia in the hope of returning to his home state for family reasons. Melbourne have accepted the request, with the club set to work with both SA sides over the coming months.
Midfielder Jack Viney's future has also been part of the rumour mill in recent weeks, with North Melbourne said to have shown an interest in the Demons hard-nut, who is contracted for the next 12 months.
Melbourne's finals chances were officially brought to an end over the weekend despite Simon Goodwin's side managing a nine-goal win over Gold Coast on Saturday.
