15 minutes ago, Norm Smith's Curse said:

Was that a conspiracy theory that Tracc came second in the B&F only to try and keep him at the club? lol.

Its ok, the world will not end. The 2021 Tracc was the memory that I will never let fade, and a lot of our problems stem from losing Jackson and then Brayshaw, the later who was obviously culturally massive and also had a linking up role we never came close to replacing.

Would be really crazy though if we trade him and Clarry and then suddenly in 2026 footy moves away from transition, gut running both ways and outside surprises and goes back to Carlton-style inside clearance work and Tracc gets a brownlow!

Dont take it personally with Tracc. Its possible some of the reasons he fell out of love with the club were valid, but others may not have been and time will tell. So many times when pushed to say he was still red and blue he would reply with 'i still have a passion for football' which made it pretty obvious he didnt want to say too much. Thanks for 2021 Tracc et al but its 2026 incoming and things change.

More likely us upping his trade value but a very sus result. I'd have Bowser and Kozzie well ahead of him and probably Rivers

13 minutes ago, Norm Smith's Curse said:

Our family are all tragic dees supporters or saints supporters but we all agreed forcing the next generation into the endless cycle of pain was abusive. As long as it isnt Essendon or Hawthorn im ok.

Or Geelong or Collingwood surely?!?

5 minutes ago, KozzyCan said:

Reckon Petracca wasn't the reason we had small crowds lol.

Probably not haha but his carryon and arm waving and finger pointing definitely wasn't helping.

10 minutes ago, Young Angus said:

He had a crack at our crowds, which he is very partly responsible for, that just made me see red and I hope he and Warwick Capper are very happy hanging out together up there.

1 minute ago, Young Angus said:

Probably not haha but his carryon and arm waving and finger pointing definitely wasn't helping.

Here we go again with people re-writing Trac's career just because they're angry with him.

There's much more selective evidence to suggest that he helped us attract MORE crowds. He was the only Norm Smith medalist in this club's history and helped us win numerous other games off his own boot. He also famously carried the team on his back in our 1 point loss to Carlton in 2024. I'd say he's been one of our most watchable players at his best.

If you seriously think that Trac's 'arm waving' and 'finger pointing' are responsible for our lacklustre crowds then I'd like to know what you think of May having a crack at his teammates, including his own captain.

3 minutes ago, Temporarily Hopeful Demon said:

Here we go again with people re-writing Trac's career just because they're angry with him.

There's much more selective evidence to suggest that he helped us attract MORE crowds. He was the only Norm Smith medalist in this club's history and helped us win numerous other games off his own boot. He also famously carried the team on his back in our 1 point loss to Carlton in 2024. I'd say he's been one of our most watchable players at his best.

If you seriously think that Trac's 'arm waving' and 'finger pointing' are responsible for our lacklustre crowds then I'd like to know what you think of May having a crack at his teammates, including his own captain.

Trac was still having a go his teammates. It wasn’t a good look, but yes, he is not responsible for poor crowds.

24 minutes ago, Norm Smith's Curse said:

Cant say Carlton or ill lose my job as my boss is almost Carlton royalty.

Time to change jobs

33 minutes ago, Norm Smith's Curse said:

Our family are all tragic dees supporters or saints supporters but we all agreed forcing the next generation into the endless cycle of pain was abusive. As long as it isnt Essendon or Hawthorn im ok.

I don’t believe you, and if true this is the ultimate Karen parenting… (joke)

11 minutes ago, Temporarily Hopeful Demon said:

Here we go again with people re-writing Trac's career just because they're angry with him.

There's much more selective evidence to suggest that he helped us attract MORE crowds. He was the only Norm Smith medalist in this club's history and helped us win numerous other games off his own boot. He also famously carried the team on his back in our 1 point loss to Carlton in 2024. I'd say he's been one of our most watchable players at his best.

If you seriously think that Trac's 'arm waving' and 'finger pointing' are responsible for our lacklustre crowds then I'd like to know what you think of May having a crack at his teammates, including his own captain.

Okay yes Trac wasn't responsible for poor crowds we can all agree on that, but his behavior was a terrible look for a grown man meant to be a leader and icon of our club.

May was also a shocker, his continued antics didn't help one bit and probably ticked a lot of people off in-house. If he was backing it up week after week it might be a different story.

Can you trust the media? Reported that Adelaide had to reconsider Trac as an option when he asked for a contract that included his current 4 years plus a 5th at more money. He did say at the B&F that it was a job. Does he think he is worth more than his current contract and should align with the insane money the Saints have offered TDK and Wanganeen Millera. ONe can only imagine what he is asking of Gold Coast. THis may be simple but the options he wants to explore are MORE MONEY!

I'm sure there'll be a "Farewell Christian Petracca" thread in a few days but I'll get in early. Thanks for the memories, Tracc. You are in the top half dozen Melbourne players I've had the privilege of watching. You did it differently and between 2020 and halfway through 2024 you were probably in the top 10 players in the comp. Without you, Melbourne are still waiting for their first flag since 1964. I'll always hold your contribution to that magical season in the highest regard. Your relationship with the game is transactional and that's fine. Many better players than you, including Chris Judd, had the same relationship. It doesn't in any way dim your contribution. I have no doubt you gave your all for the club whilst you wore the jumper. That's all any supporter can ask. All the best for the next chapter.

The fact that landing Trac could be a marketing bonanza for the Suns means they’d be wise to pony up Humphrey and Flanders, if only to highlight the value of their new gun player.

Stars may be aligning for us…

2 hours ago, Hellaintabadplacetobe said:

Tracs runner up in the Bluey surprised me and many others. As did his speech about it being his job.

Starting to make a little more sense now. Pass me the mayo....

He would have been having discussions prior to, the crows was for views only, lost a lot of respect in particular if true asking the crows for an extension to his contract, didn’t think you could do that if under contract? I wonder if he will ever walk back into the club for a premiership reunion/life member?

41 minutes ago, Swooper1987 said:

I'm sure there'll be a "Farewell Christian Petracca" thread in a few days but I'll get in early. Thanks for the memories, Tracc. You are in the top half dozen Melbourne players I've had the privilege of watching. You did it differently and between 2020 and halfway through 2024 you were probably in the top 10 players in the comp. Without you, Melbourne are still waiting for their first flag since 1964. I'll always hold your contribution to that magical season in the highest regard. Your relationship with the game is transactional and that's fine. Many better players than you, including Chris Judd, had the same relationship. It doesn't in any way dim your contribution. I have no doubt you gave your all for the club whilst you wore the jumper. That's all any supporter can ask. All the best for the next chapter.

Unlike Judd who left after his contract finished… This will taint Trac in supporters eyes..

I wonder if one of our scenarios (plan C or D if you like) is to absolutely keep Trac.

If the answer is yes then I can’t see a world where Trac is traded without Humphrey, Flanders or some other A grader becoming a Dee.

If the answer is no and Trac won’t be returning under any circumstances, then I can absolutely see us accepting unders by way of a package of underwhelming draft picks.

3 hours ago, Roost it far said:

This draft group has been labelled as very weak.

Yeah, the only people that worry about perceived draft pool talent are usually fans on message boards..

When I told my 13 year old neice today that trac was likely moving to the gc, her response was well he bought in on himself, he makes everything about him.

24 minutes ago, dees189227 said:

When I told my 13 year old neice today that trac was likely moving to the gc, her response was well he bought in on himself, he makes everything about him.

Maybe let her know that when she is older she might want to fondly remember a player that was a Demon Champion.

2 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Maybe let her know that when she is older she might want to fondly remember a player that was a Demon Champion.

she'll be too busy thinking about humphrey winning his third norm smith by the time shes 18

6 minutes ago, gawnbeatsnerds said:

she'll be too busy thinking about humphrey winning his third norm smith by the time shes 18

In terms of the counting of chickens before they have hatched - you are standing in line at the farmers market at 1pm hoping they still have eggs…