Christian Petracca

[Dr. Gonzo 23,672]

2 hours ago, FreedFromDesire said:

I find this a poor comment for two reasons.

1 - I will confess, I don't follow Christian on social media, but I do know that many of his posts, especially ads, would be pre-recorded/made and scheduled to be posted. This was evident when he had posts going up of him while he was in ICU. That is the industry norm with influencers and the like.

2 - Mental health is an obviously nuanced area. Even if Christian was posting on social media but not talking to mainstream media, surely you can understand how those are different things? Christian filming a cooking video at home, perhaps by himself or with his partner, then editing it and deciding when and if to share is very different to doing a live TV interview to a national audience being asked difficult questions that he may not have an answer to at this stage.

I hope one day the disingenuous nature we have when approaching mental health issues changes in this country. We seem to only be sensitive to it when it suits us. Young men are still committing suicide at an extremely high rate in Australia, so I believe it's something worth taking the time to think about before commenting.

He doesn't have to do a live tv interview though. He could pre record something and post on his socials. He could draft something that could be emailed out by the club. He could do a press release for the media. He doesn't have to go on a live tv interview to put the rumours to bed. The fact he hasn't done any of these things speaks volumes.

Not saying anything is fuelling the speculation and media frenzy which would only be adding to any mental health issues he may have.

It would be simple as anything to draft a basic "it's been tough, I've been frustrated, had honest chats, but remain committed to MFC and further success" etc etc, it basically writes itself. So you'll excuse me if I don't by mental health and the reason he hasn't come out and said anything yet, especially someone as keyed into the brand-building and social media as Petracca is.

[Dr. Gonzo 23,672]

14 minutes ago, Dee-tonator said:

When Petracca went back on to the field he was potentially within one solid blow to the body of being killed.

Do all the people criticising him not understand just how traumatic that knowledge would be, even months later?

Consider, too, the fact that his injuries were about as severe as those any player could ever expect to sustain in a single  incident.

In time he will decide on his best course of action, which we all hope will be to return to the field as a committed Demon.

For now, it is media grubs like Tom Morris who should be condemned for putting their lust for a story ahead of a player's physical and mental welfare.

Morris is a grub but he was only doing his job. Who fed him the information for the story? Has his story turned out to be incorrect?

Petracca suffered a horrific injury, very dangerous situation, but blaming the club for sending him back in it wallowing in self pity about it isn't going to help anyone.

I don't criticise Petracca for being shaken or traumatised by the incident. I don't criticise him for taking time away from the club and heading north. I don't criticise him for feeling frustrated with the club.

I do criticise him for letting those frustrations because public and then letting them fester by not saying anything for 2 weeks while the club continues to cop it from all sections of the media.

[Clintosaurus 7,542]

What's this about Trac's contract being able to be voided due to medical negligence? Sounds like something Blues or Pies would be pushing so they get him for free. 

Surely not true, but did see it on X.

[sue 9,000]

12 minutes ago, Clintosaurus said:

What's this about Trac's contract being able to be voided due to medical negligence? Sounds like something Blues or Pies would be pushing so they get him for free. 

Surely not true, but did see it on X.

There is no need for 'but' in the sentence above.

[Undeeterred 3,036]

Honestly at this point if a club was mad enough to offer 3 firsts, or two and a decent player, you’d have to jump at it.

He clearly is deeply unhappy, doesn’t want to put the speculation to bed, and is going to be a massive distraction next year even if he does stay.

Put together with the fact that he may never get back to his best, and is 29 next year, three firsts would be a godsend ahead of Tassie coming in

[spirit of norm smith 15,056]

As posted on socials by a Dees diehard 

 

Christians Petracca needs to come out and quell rumours that he wants out. I was not of this thought prior to tonight's game, but John Ralph said something crucial that made me flip 180° on this.

Melbourne are obviously going to attempt to lure players to the club in the wake of a disappointing season, and Petracca is negatively impacting our ability to do so by not putting an end to any speculation.

There are blokes at other clubs, (we KNOW  Houston already scared off apparently), that could chose to sign with us next year. Petracca is sending bad signals due to staying silent.

He needs to end it, tell the world that he is looking forward to rehabbing with the boys, and working towards a killer preseason. It makes us look bad in the eyes of potential trade targets if he doesn't.

[Demonsone 1,941]

11 hours ago, Swooper Northey said:

I understand that he's injured and doing it tough. No one begrudges him raising his concerns and frustrations with the objective of driving the club's improvement. But his silence is creating an unnecessary media circus which places pressure on the rest of the club, including his teammates, and our recruiting staff who are working hard to bring in players to drive that improvement. 

I find it strange if true that any player who is injured and spent time from a club and rightfully so can raise issues with his club to a point that speculates to the afl world of his future.. a swag of players young & old have extended their contracts. Not dismissing issues but need to hear from him as it’s unfair heat on the club…  

[Little Goffy 13,957]

This thread is why Petracca is reluctant to spill his guts in public.

Bunch of entitled creeps on here who think he owes them and who have no regard for his wellbeing.

Noxious thread.

If I collected the last 200 comments would there be a single piece of actual information?

[Roost it far 7,348]

31 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

This thread is why Petracca is reluctant to spill his guts in public.

Bunch of entitled creeps on here who think he owes them and who have no regard for his wellbeing.

Noxious thread.

If I collected the last 200 comments would there be a single piece of actual information?

I hear you but he’s a super well paid sportsman who makes a great deal of money due to his public persona, that comes with the glaring eye of the public. I also don’t think it’s unreasonable of a team’s supporter base that they’d like to hear just a few words from their once in a generation star player. Everyone knows what words they are and the mere fact he can’t say them leads to this thread and all the associated media talk and it’s been left to the club to just play the “he’s contracted” card. It’s become a wait and see game and of course people get frustrated by that. 

[Billy 2,460]

8 hours ago, layzie said:

Hearing a lot about Christian's brand here, I just hope our brand is intact after all this.

Seems the MFC brand is a distant second to Tracs

[FreedFromDesire 583]

8 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

He doesn't have to do a live tv interview though. He could pre record something and post on his socials. He could draft something that could be emailed out by the club. He could do a press release for the media. He doesn't have to go on a live tv interview to put the rumours to bed. The fact he hasn't done any of these things speaks volumes.

Not saying anything is fuelling the speculation and media frenzy which would only be adding to any mental health issues he may have.

It would be simple as anything to draft a basic "it's been tough, I've been frustrated, had honest chats, but remain committed to MFC and further success" etc etc, it basically writes itself. So you'll excuse me if I don't by mental health and the reason he hasn't come out and said anything yet, especially someone as keyed into the brand-building and social media as Petracca is.

Fair points. I don't disagree with you at all that Christian could come out and say something.

My response wasn't anything to do with that part of it, it was a response to another poster seemingly insinuating his mental health struggles weren't real because he had posted on social media.

Players and club officials have spoken about the mental health element of it for Christian, so frankly I find it pretty disturbing that people are having a go at him about that aspect.

I'm not saying it's all been handled well of course, I'm talking specifically about this one particular area.

[Clintosaurus 7,542]

1 hour ago, Demonsone said:

I find it strange if true that any player who is injured and spent time from a club and rightfully so can raise issues with his club to a point that speculates to the afl world of his future.. a swag of players young & old have extended their contracts. Not dismissing issues but need to hear from him as it’s unfair heat on the club…  

Well if certain clubs with way more friends in the media than MFC were trying to extract him for no draft or trade cost, this is exactly what they would want. Also very coincidental that Carlton are mentioned in relation to Dan Houston at the same time as him allegedly cooling interest in MFC. Funny that.

Guaranteed the leak was not from MFC. With no knowledge of where it came from of course.

[Lord Neville X Flash 235]

50 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

I hear you but he’s a super well paid sportsman who makes a great deal of money due to his public persona, that comes with the glaring eye of the public. I also don’t think it’s unreasonable of a team’s supporter base that they’d like to hear just a few words from their once in a generation star player. Everyone knows what words they are and the mere fact he can’t say them leads to this thread and all the associated media talk and it’s been left to the club to just play the “he’s contracted” card. It’s become a wait and see game and of course people get frustrated by that. 

He has given the club more than money can buy. 

If you are a real supporter of the club and players you would want him to take as much time as he needs, not rush to speak publicly because Tom Morris says something

Journos are dramatising this scenario to the nth degree - as a supporter base we need to support the people at the club, they are not contracts that we own. 

[Lucifers Hero 38,910]

It seems many want Petracca to make a statement to protect the club/its brand and for our recruiting.  Considerations:

• The mfc brand has been trashed for a year with the some player indiscretions and other reports during the year on our supposedly 'poor culture'.   
• Our slide down the ladder wouldn’t be helping our recruiting.
• With the exception of one reasonable year from Hunter we have not been able to recruit a single best 22 player for 3 years.  Reasons why?
• Houston’s ‘change of mind’ has been blamed on Petracca.  As others have said it is probably to ‘save face’ because we won’t pay Port’s asking price of two 1st round picks.  I may be wrong but I haven't read that we were prepared to pay that price. 

A Petracca statement may appease mfc fans but I doubt it will get the muck raking media off mfc’s back nor convince a potential recruit to join mfc. 

[John Crow Batty 8,763]

2 hours ago, Clintosaurus said:

What's this about Trac's contract being able to be voided due to medical negligence? Sounds like something Blues or Pies would be pushing so they get him for free. 

Surely not true, but did see it on X.

I have been thinking about that. If Petracca really wants a 100% out, what legal options could he explore to void his contract if no deal is possible? Medical negligence and lack of duty of care by the club to his health needs could be argued in a law suit. Despite his insistence on returning to the field, it is ultimately the club doctor and by extension the club who bear responsibility. But he would have to prove that the injury was made worse by the club allowing him to return to the field and that the severity of his injury could have been foreseen. Not surprising if Petracca, the Blues and Pies have already explored this option. 

[Lord Neville X Flash 235]

5 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

It seems many want Petracca to make a statement to protect the club/its brand and for our recruiting.  Considerations:

• The mfc brand has been trashed for a year with the some player indiscretions and other reports during the year on our supposedly 'poor culture'.   
• Our slide down the ladder wouldn’t be helping our recruiting.
• With the exception of one reasonable year from Hunter we have not been able to recruit a single best 22 player for 3 years.  Reasons why?
• Houston’s ‘change of mind’ has been blamed on Petracca.  As others have said it is probably to ‘save face’ because we won’t pay Port’s asking price of two 1st round picks.  I may be wrong but I haven't read that we were prepared to pay that price. 

A Petracca statement may appease mfc fans but I doubt it will get the muck raking media off mfc’s back nor convince a potential recruit to join mfc. 

+ If a player is on the fence about coming, Trac can call them - he doesnt need to speak to channel 7

[Undeeterred 3,036]

2 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

This thread is why Petracca is reluctant to spill his guts in public.

Bunch of entitled creeps on here who think he owes them and who have no regard for his wellbeing.

Noxious thread.

If I collected the last 200 comments would there be a single piece of actual information?

I suspect part of the reason he’s quiet is that we are trying to get him what he wants, and that our public stance on holding him to his contract is just posturing in the meantime. Honestly, if he wants to play for another club we should just get on with facilitating it

[John Crow Batty 8,763]

3 minutes ago, Undeeterred said:

I suspect part of the reason he’s quiet is that we are trying to get him what he wants, and that our public stance on holding him to his contract is just posturing in the meantime. Honestly, if he wants to play for another club we should just get on with facilitating it

Yeah, it’s just running the clock down till the season ends. No one is showing their cards yet. 

[Clintosaurus 7,542]

25 minutes ago, John Crow Batty said:

Not surprising if Petracca, the Blues and Pies have already explored this option. 

They are unscrupulous organisations so of course they have. AFL is also unscrupulous so would no doubt allow it.

[Lord Neville X Flash 235]

17 minutes ago, Undeeterred said:

I suspect part of the reason he’s quiet is that we are trying to get him what he wants, and that our public stance on holding him to his contract is just posturing in the meantime. Honestly, if he wants to play for another club we should just get on with facilitating it

This is a complete guess - nothing indicating this to be true. 

We don't know any details except:

1. He's going through a difficult time physically and psychologically (as per coach and player interviews)

2. He returned to the club (Photo's participating and smiling at training)

3. He addressed the players about his mental health challenges (Steven May interview)

 

Not Facts:

- Tom Morris and Sam McClure say he "might request a trade". 

(Tom Morris also said North were pursuing Viney, and then doubled down that he was seriously considering the offer - two days later he signed with Melbourne)

 

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,099]

Goody seemed pretty emphatic that he'd be in the red & blue for the next five years, not just in 2025. Sidestepped the question about whether CP5 had stated that to him though. My read from that is that he's definitely asked the question and we've shut it down, perhaps with a view to look at the situation again in 12 months. 

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,202]

1 hour ago, FreedFromDesire said:

Fair points. I don't disagree with you at all that Christian could come out and say something.

My response wasn't anything to do with that part of it, it was a response to another poster seemingly insinuating his mental health struggles weren't real because he had posted on social media.

Players and club officials have spoken about the mental health element of it for Christian, so frankly I find it pretty disturbing that people are having a go at him about that aspect.

I'm not saying it's all been handled well of course, I'm talking specifically about this one particular area.

Did you read the part where he said “he’s not buying mental health as he reason behind Trac’s silence”?

You’re all over the shop. 
 

Three of you last night tried to shut me down yet I thought I was the only one putting fwd a constructive suggestion (read my response to Luci), that is if he is really struggling. 

Mental health is real and affects different people differently but just because that it’s cited as a possible reason for someone’s behaviour doesn’t mean it’s true and doesn’t mean it can’t be questioned. Nothing I wrote was out of line. 
 

And as for posters thinking others are self entitled for wanting to know his plans, that’s just normal every day work expectations, giving your employer notice if you intend to leave. Most 9-5 jobs are 2 weeks, management type roles can be up to 1 month. Highly paid sportstars on million dollar contracts many moving parts can take weeks if not months. 

[FreedFromDesire 583]

8 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Did you read the part where he said “he’s not buying mental health as he reason behind Trac’s silence”?

You’re all over the shop. 

Three of you last night tried to shut me down yet I thought I was the only one putting fwd a constructive suggestion (read my response to Luci), that is if he is really struggling. 

Mental health is real and affects different people differently but just because that it’s cited as a possible reason for someone’s behaviour doesn’t mean it’s true and doesn’t mean it can’t be questioned. Nothing I wrote was out of line. 
 

And as for posters thinking others are self entitled for wanting to know his plans, that’s just normal every day work expectations, giving your employer notice if you intend to leave. Most 9-5 jobs are 2 weeks, management type roles can be up to 1 month. Highly paid sportstars on million dollar contracts many moving parts can take weeks if not months. 

Yes, I read the entire post. I'm not on this forum to just argue so I'm more than happy to recognize when someone raises good points. You will note, I did not say I agree with everything that was said. I understand you're now having a crack back at me as myself and others have challenged your views, please accept my apologies if I came across too firm in the way I expressed them. I'm quite passionate about mental health and may have directed that passion too squarely at yourself.

I will leave it there, other to state that for myself; if someone cites mental health as a battle they're having (and given the comments coming from the club it's safe to assume Christian has struggled), my initial reaction is generally empath rather than distrust and disregard.

Edited August 25 by FreedFromDesire

[Jaded No More 67,598]

I think it’s entirely naive to think that Trac doesn’t want out. If he didn’t, his management could shut the rumours down in 2 minutes. 
Doesn’t mean the club is going to let him go without first trying to fix what needs to be fixed.

[Ted Lasso 18,739]

12 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Did you read the part where he said “he’s not buying mental health as he reason behind Trac’s silence”?

You’re all over the shop. 
 

Three of you last night tried to shut me down yet I thought I was the only one putting fwd a constructive suggestion (read my response to Luci), that is if he is really struggling. 

Mental health is real and affects different people differently but just because that it’s cited as a possible reason for someone’s behaviour doesn’t mean it’s true and doesn’t mean it can’t be questioned. Nothing I wrote was out of line. 
 

And as for posters thinking others are self entitled for wanting to know his plans, that’s just normal every day work expectations, giving your employer notice if you intend to leave. Most 9-5 jobs are 2 weeks, management type roles can be up to 1 month. Highly paid sportstars on million dollar contracts many moving parts can take weeks if not months. 

I agree that Trac is really struggling and mental health is a factor, there is little doubt about that. My contention with that being used as a reason for remaining silent is that Trac has a management group that could silence this in 5 seconds, and being on every newspaper and headline and all over social media, not always in a positive light is not going to help his mental health 

Ultimately though, he's making a decision to remain quiet, there is no obvious barrier to him or his management putting this to rest.