A bombshell report says Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca would ask for a trade out of the club tomorrow – if it was realistic.
Plus one of the top free agents left on the market has made his decision.
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‘WOULD ASK FOR A TRADE TOMORROW’: DEES SUPERSTAR ‘DISILLUSIONED’
Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca is “disillusioned” with the club and “open to a trade”.
While the Demons midfielder is contracted until the end of 2029, and will find it almost impossible to leave, he “would likely ask for a trade tomorrow” if he was coming out of contract according to Nine’s Tom Morris.
The 28-year-old suffered a traumatic spleen injury in the King’s Birthday game loss to Collingwood, requiring multiple hospitalisations in an extremely difficult recovery, amid reports his family were frustrated with how Melbourne handled the incident.
He went back out onto the ground after suffering his injuries during that game because nobody, including Petracca, knew the extent of them.
Since the injury Melbourne has fallen from 7-5 to 10-11, and is realistically out of the finals race with two rounds left.
And as Morris reported on Monday night: “Christian Petracca is disgruntled and particularly disillusioned with the club’s direction.
“Petracca’s a pro, he’s desperate for another flag, but he has become increasingly unhappy in the wake of his season-ending spleen injury.
“His disenchantment – which is not directed at the coach, it must be said – has now become so palpable that if he was out of contract, the four-time All-Australian would likely ask for a trade tomorrow.
“But the reality is he has five years left on his contract, and it’s basically impossible to see how the Dees would agree to let their best player go, even if he did demand a trade.
“For now teammates are aware of his frustrations, some even share them, key officials are aware too but standing firm he will not be traded under any circumstances.
“One rival club also understands how unsettled Petracca is, and they’re watching the situation closely.”
DOGS’ ENGLISH PATIENCE SET TO PAY OFF
The Western Bulldogs are expected to re-sign Tim English, one of the top free agents left on the market, despite interest from West Coast.
English is close to putting pen to paper on a five-year extension reports AFL Media.
A six-year deal was reportedly on the table from West Coast but with the Bulldogs closer to success, and English’s netballer partner Rudi Ellis having moved from the west to Melbourne for her career, he is set to stay at the Kennel.
The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark reported on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle last week English was more likely to stay at the Bulldogs with a key meeting with manager Andrew McDougall on the horizon.
English became a first-time All-Australian in 2023 and grew up in Western Australia, with the Eagles having long held interest.
His signature will leave Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield as the only restricted free agent left unsigned, though he is overwhelmingly likely to stay.
