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An open letter to Christian Petracca

Swooper Northey
Swooper Northey
in Melbourne Demons

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Dear Trac,

as a loyal supporter of the Melbourne Football Club, I write this letter with a weary heart but a glimmer of hope. For a decade, Demon supporters have watched you grow from a promising draft pick to a legend of our beloved club. Your journey has been our journey, your triumphs our triumphs.

Remember that magical day in September 2021? When you stood tall at Optus Stadium, Norm Smith Medal around your neck, the premiership cup finally in your hands? That wasn't just your moment – it was ours too. You embodied the spirit of our club, the culmination of 57 years of hope and heartbreak. You made history, and despite being on the other side of the country, we were right there with you.

We know this year hasn't been easy. We all held our breath when you went down against Collingwood. The news of your injuries – especially the damaged spleen – hit us hard. But true to form, you've been fighting your way back, and we're here supporting you every step of the way.

Trac, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The media speculation about your future at Melbourne is like a storm cloud hanging over our club. We've heard the whispers, which have gotten louder and louder. We've read the headlines and seen the pundits weigh in. But we haven't heard from you, and that silence is deafening.

We understand that every player has the right to make decisions about their career. We know that our club is far from perfect and that it has work to do to get back to the top. But Trac, we want you to be part of that journey. We want you to be the one driving us to greater heights, just as you've done so many times before.

You're more than just a player to us. You're a symbol of what Melbourne can be at its best – tough, skillful, and never giving up. Your presence on the field lifts not just your teammates, but every single one of us in the stands and at home.

We're not asking you to accept mediocrity. All we're asking for is a chance. A chance to show you that Melbourne is where you belong. A chance to prove that together, we can overcome any obstacle and reach the pinnacle once again.

If there are issues, let's address them. If there are concerns, let's talk about them. We want to be part of the solution, just as we hope you do. The uncertainty is tough, but we're tougher – we're Melbourne supporters, after all.

Trac, whatever you decide, know this: You've given us moments we'll cherish forever. You've been a beacon of hope in dark times and a leader in our finest hour. We believe in you, and we believe in what you and the club can achieve together.

This is also your chance to play for your mate Angus Brayshaw, who unlike you, will never take to the field again. Your continued presence on the field would honour his legacy and the spirit of mateship that has previously defined our club.

The ball's in your court now. We're here, we're listening, and we're ready to stand by you. All we ask is that you give us, and Melbourne, a fair go.

From the bottom of our red and blue hearts,

The Melbourne Football Club Faithful

Edited by Swooper Northey

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    Couldn't have said it better Swooper.  Ty.  I hope Tracc gets to read this

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      On 31/08/2024 at 06:44, Swooper Northey said:

    Dear Trac,

    We, the loyal supporters of the Melbourne Football Club, write this letter with weary hearts but a glimmer of hope. For a decade, we've watched you grow from a promising draft pick to a legend of our beloved club. Your journey has been our journey, your triumphs our triumphs.

    Remember that magical day in September 2021? When you stood tall at Optus Stadium, Norm Smith Medal around your neck, the premiership cup finally in your hands? That wasn't just your moment – it was ours too. You embodied the spirit of our club, the culmination of 57 years of hope and heartbreak. You made history, and despite being on the other side of the country, we were right there with you.

    We know this year hasn't been easy. We all held our breath when you went down against Collingwood. The news of your injuries – especially the damaged spleen – hit us hard. But true to form, you've been fighting your way back, and we're here supporting you every step of the way.

    Trac, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The media speculation about your future at Melbourne is like a storm cloud hanging over our club. We've heard the whispers, which have gotten louder and louder. We've read the headlines and seen the pundits weigh in. But we haven't heard from you, and that silence is deafening.

    We understand that every player has the right to make decisions about their career. We know that our club is far from perfect and that it has work to do to get back to the top. But Trac, we want you to be part of that journey. We want you to be the one driving us to greater heights, just as you've done so many times before.

    You're more than just a player to us. You're a symbol of what Melbourne can be at its best – tough, skillful, and never giving up. Your presence on the field lifts not just your teammates, but every single one of us in the stands and at home.

    We're not asking you to accept mediocrity. All we're asking for is a chance. A chance to show you that Melbourne is where you belong. A chance to prove that together, we can overcome any obstacle and reach the pinnacle once again.

    If there are issues, let's address them. If there are concerns, let's talk about them. We want to be part of the solution, just as we hope you do. The uncertainty is tough, but we're tougher – we're Melbourne supporters, after all.

    Trac, whatever you decide, know this: You've given us moments we'll cherish forever. You've been a beacon of hope in dark times and a leader in our finest hour. We believe in you, and we believe in what you and the club can achieve together.

    This is also your chance to play for your mate Angus Brayshaw, who unlike you, will never take to the field again. Your continued presence on the field would honour his legacy and the spirit of mateship that has previously defined our club.

    The ball's in your court now. We're here, we're listening, and we're ready to stand by you. All we ask is that you give us, and Melbourne, a fair go.

    From the bottom of our red and blue hearts,

    The Melbourne Football Club Faithful

    This is beautiful. Are you sending it to him? You should definitely send it to his management. 

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    Unfortunately I'm so affronted by the idea of someone else writing a letter presuming to be on my behalf that I couldn't get past the first paragraph.

    The drama coming from all directions and nobody wants to miss out.

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      On 31/08/2024 at 06:59, Demon Dynasty said:

    Couldn't have said it better Swooper.  Ty.  I hope Tracc gets to read this

      On 31/08/2024 at 07:02, Flowergirl said:

    This is beautiful. Are you sending it to him? You should definitely send it to his management. 

      On 31/08/2024 at 07:09, Little Goffy said:

    Unfortunately I'm so affronted by the idea of someone else writing a letter presuming to be on my behalf that I couldn't get past the first paragraph.

    The drama coming from all directions and nobody wants to miss out.

    Aren't we a broad church! I'm (typically) in the middle pews on this.

    The beacon / dark days reference had me wondering, though: should Nathan Jones try to arrange the proverbial seat and coffee with Christian?

    Edited by Timothy Reddan-A'Blew

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    • Swooper Northey changed the title to An open letter to Christian Petracca

    • Author
      On 31/08/2024 at 07:09, Little Goffy said:

    Unfortunately I'm so affronted by the idea of someone else writing a letter presuming to be on my behalf that I couldn't get past the first paragraph.

    The drama coming from all directions and nobody wants to miss out.

    Fair call Little Goffy. The opening par has been edited. Hopefully this makes it more palatable.

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    My letter a lot shorter

     

    "C'Mon Bro"

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      On 31/08/2024 at 07:31, Swooper Northey said:

    Fair call Little Goffy. The opening par has been edited. Hopefully this makes it more palatable.

    What is the world coming to when people politely make mild adjustments to how they express themselves to accommodate the sensibilities of strangers!?  What a bastion of civilization we are on here!

    Much appreciated. I have read the letter ;)

    The sentiments are heartfelt and earnest and while not my personal proverbial cup'a'tea I would sit and drink a cup'a'tea (proverbial or literal) respectfully without interrupting while you shared them.

    We are a bit of a strange family around here, but still a family. Why, just the other day even Biffen made me smile, though I made sure nobody saw.

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    Love it, I mean all else aside this is how most of us probably feel. Hope Trav gets to read this. 
     

    Well written and thank you for doing that on behalf of so many. 

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    I was about to do the same. Perfectly written but I would also add the following:

    if you are upset with the management, they are about 12 people.  There are 60K members who love you and if you go to a “bigger club” they could not love you as we do. In fact, a few bad games and they will turn on you and criticise you.  The love members have for you is unconditional.  Better to have 60K supporters who love you than 100K members who like you until you have a bad game.  If you are unhappy with the leadership and direction, you have the ability to change it.

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      On 31/08/2024 at 06:44, Swooper Northey said:

    Dear Trac,

    as a loyal supporter of the Melbourne Football Club, I write this letter with a weary heart but a glimmer of hope. For a decade, Demon supporters have watched you grow from a promising draft pick to a legend of our beloved club. Your journey has been our journey, your triumphs our triumphs.

    Remember that magical day in September 2021? When you stood tall at Optus Stadium, Norm Smith Medal around your neck, the premiership cup finally in your hands? That wasn't just your moment – it was ours too. You embodied the spirit of our club, the culmination of 57 years of hope and heartbreak. You made history, and despite being on the other side of the country, we were right there with you.

    We know this year hasn't been easy. We all held our breath when you went down against Collingwood. The news of your injuries – especially the damaged spleen – hit us hard. But true to form, you've been fighting your way back, and we're here supporting you every step of the way.

    Trac, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The media speculation about your future at Melbourne is like a storm cloud hanging over our club. We've heard the whispers, which have gotten louder and louder. We've read the headlines and seen the pundits weigh in. But we haven't heard from you, and that silence is deafening.

    We understand that every player has the right to make decisions about their career. We know that our club is far from perfect and that it has work to do to get back to the top. But Trac, we want you to be part of that journey. We want you to be the one driving us to greater heights, just as you've done so many times before.

    You're more than just a player to us. You're a symbol of what Melbourne can be at its best – tough, skillful, and never giving up. Your presence on the field lifts not just your teammates, but every single one of us in the stands and at home.

    We're not asking you to accept mediocrity. All we're asking for is a chance. A chance to show you that Melbourne is where you belong. A chance to prove that together, we can overcome any obstacle and reach the pinnacle once again.

    If there are issues, let's address them. If there are concerns, let's talk about them. We want to be part of the solution, just as we hope you do. The uncertainty is tough, but we're tougher – we're Melbourne supporters, after all.

    Trac, whatever you decide, know this: You've given us moments we'll cherish forever. You've been a beacon of hope in dark times and a leader in our finest hour. We believe in you, and we believe in what you and the club can achieve together.

    This is also your chance to play for your mate Angus Brayshaw, who unlike you, will never take to the field again. Your continued presence on the field would honour his legacy and the spirit of mateship that has previously defined our club.

    The ball's in your court now. We're here, we're listening, and we're ready to stand by you. All we ask is that you give us, and Melbourne, a fair go.

    From the bottom of our red and blue hearts,

    The Melbourne Football Club Faithful

    Maybe he did, Tracc just recommitted to the MFC, yahoo, thanks Christian.❤️💙💕

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      On 31/08/2024 at 06:44, Swooper Northey said:

    Dear Trac,

    as a loyal supporter of the Melbourne Football Club, I write this letter with a weary heart but a glimmer of hope. For a decade, Demon supporters have watched you grow from a promising draft pick to a legend of our beloved club. Your journey has been our journey, your triumphs our triumphs.

    Remember that magical day in September 2021? When you stood tall at Optus Stadium, Norm Smith Medal around your neck, the premiership cup finally in your hands? That wasn't just your moment – it was ours too. You embodied the spirit of our club, the culmination of 57 years of hope and heartbreak. You made history, and despite being on the other side of the country, we were right there with you.

    We know this year hasn't been easy. We all held our breath when you went down against Collingwood. The news of your injuries – especially the damaged spleen – hit us hard. But true to form, you've been fighting your way back, and we're here supporting you every step of the way.

    Trac, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The media speculation about your future at Melbourne is like a storm cloud hanging over our club. We've heard the whispers, which have gotten louder and louder. We've read the headlines and seen the pundits weigh in. But we haven't heard from you, and that silence is deafening.

    We understand that every player has the right to make decisions about their career. We know that our club is far from perfect and that it has work to do to get back to the top. But Trac, we want you to be part of that journey. We want you to be the one driving us to greater heights, just as you've done so many times before.

    You're more than just a player to us. You're a symbol of what Melbourne can be at its best – tough, skillful, and never giving up. Your presence on the field lifts not just your teammates, but every single one of us in the stands and at home.

    We're not asking you to accept mediocrity. All we're asking for is a chance. A chance to show you that Melbourne is where you belong. A chance to prove that together, we can overcome any obstacle and reach the pinnacle once again.

    If there are issues, let's address them. If there are concerns, let's talk about them. We want to be part of the solution, just as we hope you do. The uncertainty is tough, but we're tougher – we're Melbourne supporters, after all.

    Trac, whatever you decide, know this: You've given us moments we'll cherish forever. You've been a beacon of hope in dark times and a leader in our finest hour. We believe in you, and we believe in what you and the club can achieve together.

    This is also your chance to play for your mate Angus Brayshaw, who unlike you, will never take to the field again. Your continued presence on the field would honour his legacy and the spirit of mateship that has previously defined our club.

    The ball's in your court now. We're here, we're listening, and we're ready to stand by you. All we ask is that you give us, and Melbourne, a fair go.

    From the bottom of our red and blue hearts,

    The Melbourne Football Club Faithful

    So well said................ your letter brought tears to my eyes.

    And guess what?  He is staying.  Like you, Trac remains a Demon through and through. 

    Also, thinking about just how Max might have played a part.  What a leader, what a man, what a legend.

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      On 31/08/2024 at 09:23, I'va Worn Smith said:

    So well said................ your letter brought tears to my eyes.

    And guess what?  He is staying.  Like you, Trac remains a Demon through and through. 

    Also, thinking about just how Max might have played a part.  What a leader, what a man, what a legend.

    He may have played a part, so may have G.Lyon who told Mike Sheahan he was going to give Trac a call…

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