2017 Player Reviews: # 5 Christian Petracca

[Demonland 73,226]

STAR ON THE RISE

Christian Petracca didn't quite reach the required standard for what's usually described as a "breakout season" but he’s getting close. He played in all 22 games and there were times when the powerfully built youngster really impacted games like a veteran with his strength, clean football and dangerous disposal.

Petracca's star continues to rise and he will only get bet better.

Stay tuned.

Date of Birth: 4 January, 1996

Height:  186cm

Weight: 94kg

Games MFC 2017: 22

Career Total: 39

Goals MFC 2017: 26

Career Total: 38

 

Season 2017 AFL Statistics

Kicks: 181

Handballs: 233

Disposals: 414

Marks: 72

Scores: 26 goals 6 behinds

Goal Assists: 19

Tackles: 54

Hitouts: 0

Clearances: 58

Clangers: 64

Inside 50s: 71

Rebound 50s: 11

Frees For: 11

Frees Against: 17

[beelzebub 23,383]

Nothing much to complain about. Development on Trac

He'll get more consistent, more involved. 

Roll on 2018.

[Wrecker45 3,378]

26 goals 6 is a better return than I realised.

[beelzebub 23,383]

2 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

26 goals 6 is a better return than I realised.

Pretty deadly. He'll become even more so 

[jnrmac 20,191]

I think we are all salivating waiting for the breakout to happen. Talent to burn, good attitude. Will get there.

 

[Sir Why You Little 37,210]

Kid has the x factor

solid year that will get better

[Red and Blue realist 2,058]

Most important stat was that he played 22 games. I think he slowed considerably in the last 3 or 4 games and needed a rest, but after hearing what he did in his draft year around fitness and endurance I'm sure he'll get to the level we all think he can. 

[poita 3,902]

We can all see the potential in everything he does, its just a matter of time before it all comes together.

There is a lot of Dustin Martin in Petracca's development in that (1) the club needed to develop him as a player beyond just getting the ball and kicking it as far he could and (2) he needs to develop the tank to allow him to spend more time in the midfield.

My only criticism is that I would like to see him take the game on a bit more. If Christian gets the ball 60 metres from goal I don't want to see him short passing to someone who is a worse shot for goal. I want to see him play on and kick the goal from 50, as Martin and Dangerfield do.

[beelzebub 23,383]

13 minutes ago, Red and Blue realist said:

Most important stat was that he played 22 games. I think he slowed considerably in the last 3 or 4 games and needed a rest, but after hearing what he did in his draft year around fitness and endurance I'm sure he'll get to the level we all think he can. 

1st season after a decent preseason. His 2018 ought to be the year we've been waiting for.

[whatwhat say what 22,978]

i've reached the point already with trac where i don't believe he'll ever a 'break out' game - i think the queen's birthday performance is what would qualify as it, as opposed to a 30 possession 5 goal game (not to say that won't come, but i think it'll be later rather than sooner)

in some respects, i'm quite okay with - what we have here is a very consistent contributor who can swing between forward and midfield, can run off the back of the square

like all our players, his drop-off in defensive intensity was noticeable as the season wore on and injuries meant he was plugging more gaps in other spots than simply rolling through the midfield on occasion, but he has all the hallmarks of becoming a player that will be the envy of other clubs

love his energy and effervescent personality, and - like salem - i think if we are to be a very good side in coming years then trac will play a huge part in making that happen

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

Trac has the most upside of any player on our list.  He has played every game since being selected for his first senior game last year and has never looked like getting dropped.

His only weakness is his tank. Once he develops he has all the qualities to be a brownlow medalist superstar. 

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,361]

29 minutes ago, poita said:

 

My only criticism is that I would like to see him take the game on a bit more. If Christian gets the ball 60 metres from goal I don't want to see him short passing to someone who is a worse shot for goal. I want to see him play on and kick the goal from 50, as Martin and Dangerfield do.

Agree with this. There were a few times where he did this, burst through and slotted goals from 55 out. On other occasions he seemed to hesitate and would try a chip kick which wouldn't come off. He's the kind of player that just always has to back himself as he will kick the goal 9 times out of 10.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,294]

7 minutes ago, Grand New Flag said:

Trac has the most upside of any player on our list.  He has played every game since being selected for his first senior game last year and has never looked like getting dropped.

His only weakness is his tank. Once he develops he has all the qualities to be a brownlow medalist superstar. 

He has already shown he has the outrageous skill, and yes I think his tank is the only thing that stopped him from being considered one of the elite players of the competition.....I thought it would happen this year but that will definitely happen next year.

[In Harmes Way 7,824]

I'm not one for overstatement but I believe he could be the greatest player the AFL has ever seen.

[beelzebub 23,383]

1 hour ago, small but forward said:

I'm not one for overstatement but I believe he could be the greatest player the AFL has ever seen.

good to see you're keeping that lid on..

[beelzebub 23,383]

1 hour ago, Hell Bent said:

He has already shown he has the outrageous skill, and yes I think his tank is the only thing that stopped him from being considered one of the elite players of the competition.....I thought it would happen this year but that will definitely happen next year.

sums it up

[monoccular 17,598]

Whilst no absolute breakout, Christian has been going along very steadily.   Never a bad game  

I would prefer a consistent A grader than an inconsistent A+

PS would not object to a few total breakouts as well, mind you. ?

Edited September 14, 2017 by monoccular

[jnrmac 20,191]

He's a tease

[Diamond_Jim 12,629]

1 hour ago, monoccular said:

Whilst no absolute breakout, Christian has been going along very steadily.   Never a bad game  

I would prefer a consistent A grader than an inconsistent A+

PS would not object to a few total breakouts as well, mind you. ?

Nah... I want a player that every supporter of every club knows about......... Not sure I could put up with Bruce calling him "speccccccccial" though

Petracca could be the one

[Adzman 2,154]

He goes alright does Trac. Had some really important games for us, but a times clearly looked like a kid with less than 50 games under his belt.

He will only get bigger, better and more dangerous. 2018 looks promising.

[DeezNuts 624]

Less of his mums pasta and more endurance training and none will be able to stop him! (I really loved this year how when he's in congested traffic, the opponents just get-out-of-his-way) bring on 2018!

[Lord Travis 10,763]

He had a good development year without ripping games apart. There were games where he had bursts of brilliance to kick a few goals, win some centre stoppages or hit up a kick inside 50. Loved some of his long bomb goals and hope as he gains maturity and experience he knows when to go for them more like a Dustin martin instead of trying to finesse a pass inside 50 that might not be there. He gave us some great glimpses of what he could become, and it was tantalising. He's a massive talent. He struggled as the year went on, clearly fitness is the only thing holding him back. If he can keep building that tank so he can be involved in games for longer instead of small bursts he could be anything. He's a potential champion. Can't wait to see his evolution in 2018!

[Jibroni 5,018]

I thought overall he a solid season, it would be interesting to compare him to Martin or Fyfe after 3 years. So much upside to the lad.

[Pennant St Dee 13,306]

Another 2 to 3 years and he will be in the elite category.

[Drunkn167 5,093]

Trac is on The Footy Show tonight for anyone that doesn't know