Rumors surrounding Christian Petracca’s possible departure from the Melbourne Demons are intensifying, with new developments suggesting that Carlton’s Harry McKay could be a crucial factor in any potential trade. Speculation has been mounting that Petracca, dissatisfied with his situation at Melbourne, is considering a move to another club by 2025. However, the Demons remain firm in their desire to retain their star player, who is currently under contract for another five years with a lucrative deal.
Petracca, who is 28 years old, has had a challenging season both mentally and physically, exacerbated by a severe injury in June that ended his season. He suffered broken ribs, a lacerated spleen, and a punctured lung during a match against Collingwood. Following this incident, Petracca was granted leave to recuperate in Noosa with his fiancée, Bella, but the decision was not communicated to all of his teammates, causing some tension within the team.
Upon his return, Petracca held discussions with the Demons and his teammates to clarify the situation, but reports now suggest that the relationship between him and the club is beyond repair. According to Sam McClure from *The Age*, Petracca informed his teammates at the club’s end-of-season function that he intends to join another Victorian club in 2025. He reiterated this intention in an exit interview with the club. McClure described the atmosphere at the function as tense, with some players feeling noticeably uncomfortable around Petracca.
McClure further reported that although Petracca is unlikely to formally request a trade due to the complexity of such a deal and the potential to further damage his relationship with the Demons, sources close to him have indicated that he is looking for a way out. These sentiments were echoed by Sam Edmund of SEN, who confirmed that Petracca is indeed seeking to leave the Demons. Edmund clarified that while Petracca has not expressed a specific desire to play for Carlton or Collingwood, he is attracted to the idea of joining a big Melbourne club with substantial resources and leadership.
Collingwood and Carlton have emerged as the most likely destinations if the Demons decide to trade Petracca. However, Collingwood’s lack of a first-round draft pick and a key forward, which Melbourne would likely demand in return, makes Carlton the frontrunner. This is where Harry McKay enters the equation.
McKay, a former Coleman Medallist and a key forward for Carlton, could be used as a bargaining chip in a potential trade for Petracca. However, McKay is also under a long-term contract with Carlton, having signed an extension that ties him to the club until the end of the 2030 season. McClure pointed out that only two players—Charlie Curnow and McKay—would be valuable enough to satisfy Melbourne in a trade. However, Curnow, who shares the same manager as Petracca, Robbie D’Orazio, is not expected to be traded, leaving McKay as the more feasible option.
Despite the swirling rumors and speculation, Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon has dismissed the possibility of Petracca being traded. Speaking on Fox Footy, Lyon backed the club’s stance that they are not interested in trading Petracca under any circumstances. He also downplayed the hypothetical scenario involving Harry McKay, stating that there is no evidence or contact between the clubs regarding such a trade.
In summary, the situation surrounding Christian Petracca and his future with the Melbourne Demons remains highly uncertain. While the star midfielder reportedly wants to leave the club, Melbourne is adamant about retaining him. The potential involvement of Carlton’s Harry McKay adds another layer of complexity to the situation, but as it stands, any trade remains speculative and far from being finalized.
