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Rib Tickler No Laughing Matter: Petracca's Injury Raises Eyebrows Melbourne, Australia – In a shocking twist for fans of the Melbourne Demons, superstar Christian “CP5” Petracca, the recipient of the prestigious Norm Smith Medal, has reportedly sustained a rib injury during a training session last week. Initial speculation suggested that Petracca “cracked” a rib during a grappling drill, sparking concern among the club's supporters. However, the claims were quickly challenged by a dedicated fan known only as “Pickett Fence,” who was spotted in a gillie suit, cleverly concealed in a bush for a closer look at the team’s training. “YOU CAN’T CRACK A RIB FROM GRAPPLING. EVER,” he insisted in a statement to our publication. Ethan Tremblay, a frequent contributor to the popular fan forum “Demonland,” and resident know-it-all, attempted to counter Pickett’s assertion, arguing that rib injuries are, in fact, quite common in grappling situations. “Actually, rib injuries are super common as a result of grappling”. Undeterred, Pickett responded swiftly, providing clarification that the injury did not even occur during grappling. The debate continued, highlighting the passionate discourse among the Demons’ fanbase. Adding his own observations to the conversation, local resident Doc Roet stated, “believe it or not, I fractured a rib leaning over one of those big wheelee bins. I had inadvertently dropped my keys into it and was kind of seesawing over it trying to reach down.” Cranky Franky, a lifelong Demon’s supporter, known for his positive outlook, stated that the, “season was already over” after hearing reports of Petracca’s injury. As the Demons prepare for the upcoming season, fans will be eager to see how Petracca’s injury impacts the team’s performance, especially after a disappointing finish in 2024. With hopes of returning to the top eight, the club is looking to bounce back stronger than ever.

Better late than never … and quite frankly, there’s very little to report other than that training took place at Casey Fields this morning, that Tracc was there nursing his rib injury and that some photographs are on the club’s social media including this one of Clarrie in Raging Bull stance that gives rise for confidence ~ The other news is that the club has a new train on player in 185cm Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (love the hyphenated name which is just so fitting for the MFC). The 2025 draft prospects training at your club this week H-H has been with the Stingrays program for a couple of seasons and was a regular them last year. He should feel at home training with former teammate Harvey Langford. As far as I know, he’s not tied to the club in any way and if that’s the case, he’s available to all clubs in this year’s national draft.

Ton Norris reports Melbournes season is almost over as Christian Petracca is targeted by his teammates and suffers an other injury to the ribs he used to attack DArcy Moores knee. This would never happen at Collingwood he said, Brayden would have shepherded me through the sessionand ensured injuries are only suffered to opposition players. Meanwhile Clayton Oliver was seen at training building himself up for the expected trade to Geelong, it is recognised that his age does not suit the profile of the cats so he will undertake some aging process programs to ease his move. MAx Gawn of course is now falling apart from the jaw down and the ageing Christian Salem was again on restricted duties. While Melbourne could have some elite younger players it is likely they will all leave as they develop skills that will be ignored by the coach. Goodie looked resplendent in his wedding outfit but it frankly shocked the younger brigade who were disappointed not to have been consulted on the preferred wedding destination of BAli. Theres so much dysfunction at the club I dont even bother to go to their training sessions or speak to anyone where all my reporting acumen would be wasted says Ton.

Gosh that Clarry picture is exciting; he's looking great!

Question why ? Getting older, as everyone does, you only have so many seasons left. I enjoy immensely talking rubbish about football. Sometimes with advice from demonland I make sense, passed my dad was getting close to what my old mum was. Enjoy the journey, just need to ignore comments that are pure vexatious, meant to give angst, or are by trolls. Others have their opinions I read them all, Most have some % that I think might be relevant, but I feel good about this year really good. I like your stuff.

A road i have travelled many times with my mates over the years. Fair to say it's mostly been a very rocky road. I plan to keep my car in the garage for a few months this season. Well, I plan to try.

I thought the same thing- starting to look chiselled in the way he does when in top nick. That includes his face looking more chiselled, which jumped out at me in one of the photos posted from Gus's wedding. Great signs- in particular that he looks in better nick than he did right before their break (suggests clarry worked hard over the four week break and avoided too much Xmas pudding).

Meanwhile at a top secret training ground deep in the south eastern suburban corridor. The new game plan was being put thru it paces.

The Herald Sun’s Josh Barnes has posted an article on Code Sports entitled “Track Watch: Christian Petracca trains days after cracking ribs at Melbourne training”. Summary - • Christian Petracca was on light duties but showed no signs of discomfort from his cracked ribs at Melbourne training. • there’s no plan in place to return the Norm Smith medallist to full training but he will be able to keep his fitness up as his ribs recover. • the club didn’t hesitate in getting into contact today, stepping into physical centre bounce and defensive set up drills involving heavy tackling. • other players in the non-contact group were skipper Max Gawn, defender Jake Lever and Taj Woewodin. • players who impressed were:- * Kysaiah Pickett – was impressive in bursting out of the middle of the ground in a centre bounce drill. * Tom Campbell – with Max on the sidelines, he showed his deft ruckwork in the centre. * Shane McAdam – was hampered physically to start this pre-season but he showed a flash of his goalkicking ability with a nice dribble goal from deep in a pocket. • Christian Salem limped off the track at one point, pointing to his lower right leg and seeking attention from the medical staff.

I also like the opinions of a number of others, and some opinions I respect and some that just never make much sense, others seem to post just to get some negative reaction. The you said , I said, carp is like dead fish. But the training reports and close relationships with players gives insight . Love the training reports. Not much else to focus on at this time year. But most of us are Demons for ever.

What I’ve noticed in this break even after all the weddings etc he’s back into some sort of training the following day. He’s clearly focussed on coming back strong which is exciting.

Really hope things come to fruition this year, I’m already talking mad sh*t at work about the climb back up

This is the Code Sports article completed on 13.1.2025 by Josh Barnes. Christian Petracca has shown no signs of discomfort as he trained just three days after cracking his ribs at Melbourne training. The superstar midfielder was on light duties but ran laps and took in some power movement drills with ease. Petracca suffered the blow to his ribs on Friday, almost seven months to the day since a brutal collision when playing against Collingwood that lead to broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and partially punctured lung. That horrific injury ruled Petracca out of the back-end of the 2024 season but he has had a strong pre-season to date and he posted on social media on Sunday that he was “feeling good physically and mentally”.

It’s a contact sport. I like the fact that we are training and tackling hard. It was a serious part of our game 3-4 seasons ago Make the opposition earn every possession in all parts of the ground

Probs not a popular opinion but I don’t like the way Konstas goes about it. Right from the get-go he struck me as a cocky little upstart who needs to be brought down a peg or 100. Getting involved with a situation between Uzzy and Jasprit (which arguably cost Uzzy his wicket) confirmed it. For mine he lacks something Scotty Boland, for eg. has in spades… humility and modesty.

That’s why Caulfield ticks all the boxes in location, land available, and community and stakeholder support to go with it. Finalization yes of much of the details is needed but Perty seems busy enough discussing and negotiating with much of the locals who are included and associated with this project. June this year is mooted for the next major announcement with the Building stage being strategised as we post our hopes and reactions.

I suggest Konstas was given the task of unsettling Bumrah, one way or the other! He had a green light to get under the Indians' skin. It seems to have worked! Konstas has a very sound defence, so not just a trail blazer. He has good scores at State level when others around him were falling like flies. He doesn't have to be the agent provocateur every game, but he certainly drew the plaudits of teammates and coaches for his contribution once selected.

It must take a lot of thought to write a self-contradictory sentence like that.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times Wednesday, January 15 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm Wednesday, January 22 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times Wednesday, January 15 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm Wednesday, January 22 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm

No one, but NO ONE is or ever will be Maxwell. 😁 The man’s a freak. Last night’s knock was a joy to watch and the way he kept the strike for so long, while not terribly Big Bash-ish, was brilliant. Of course, the ‘Gades fans who I was sitting with didn’t share my enthusiasm but enjoyed the Big Show nonetheless.

Completely different incidents... one is an argument between teammates, the other a sexual harassment issue. Not sure how you can reconcile putting these anywhere near the same category?

Trac crack and come back

Back in the 90’s when Hassa was CEO i rang the Club to ask about something, possibly ’95 when everything on field was going pear shaped!! But i was put through to Hassa and he chatted with me for over an hour on what he and Stuie Spencer were trying to do on a very limited budget It was fantastic, he could have easily given me 5 minutes, but no, Hassa understood the Supporters as much as the Club. I had 29 on my Jumper as a 5 year old, when Hassa retired it became 26….

I believe it was actually during the 2K, while under intense shelling using live rounds. There may yet be more casualties. Those that survive will be battle hardened. Might be a good time for some players to see what’s available in some lightweight carbon fibre body armour in case anything is needed later in the season. Ideally we don’t lose too many before the season proper.

I did find the news around Daicos excellent

This is a disappointing setback for all of us, but I commend our Club for communicating the news immediately. This probably wouldn’t have happened a few months ago.

Cant believe you saying this Ghosty, but I agree 100% Also, this type of batting at this level is unsustainable!

Thanks Kev.

Great interview. Gee the stuff that went on in the 60's makes me so mad.... whoever was involved in the Smith sacking should be erased from MFC history!

Great Melbourne man - he and Arthur Wilkinson guarded the change room door like their lives depended on it - should be nominated for the Defenders of Team of the Century! Barry had a gruff demeanour when on duty, but was a lovely bloke. Worked out along the way that he lived just near me on those days, so used to give him the occasional lift home after a game, and got to know him a bit better than just his doorman duties. Generally, Barry took public transport to and from games, making for very long days for him, especially in his later days. One of the old-time good guys, Melbourne through and through. RIP Barry, and condolences to friends and family.

Hope the boys live by the motto “ Carpe Scrotum “ - grasp your opponents by the you know what’s!

Yep ... can relate to that. Coughing and laughing weren't great either.

Hmm, I remember a certain footballer's wife did. And he was none too pleased about it!! And let Ricky know in no uncertain terms!!

Won't make it as a Test opener has NO confidence in his defence, Not saying he can't play but as a Test opener needs to last long enough to make it easier for his team mates, T20 or One Dayers maybe. I ain't convinced.

Totally understand that view, I think he will mature though. I actually think he was told to go out there and be ultra aggressive, which he may have taken a little far on some occasions. I think he’s a star in the making once he gets his temperament right. Also hard to compare him to Boland who is a journeyman and debut in his late 20s or something like that and is married with kids.

I want every player, every coach and every member of staff by his bed side 24/7. Stat.

How many training sessions have you been to?

Genuinely couldn’t disagree more, based from what I saw from training at Gosch’s prior to the Christmas break. His lateral movement was something to behold, as was his repeated sprint efforts in the full ground exercises, and simulated square work

It’s not good, however to say he’s behind the 8 ball is incorrect and a bit insulting to Trac. He did a heap of work in his off season and has been in full training since essentially the start of training….

An on-the-spot fan took this image of the exact moment that Nicky's face was planted.

And they are a major Nick injury away from bottom 4.

I wonder if he actually sustained it on his honeymoon?

Hotel Sorrento ... you can check out any time you like but you can never leave.

Which is why many of our players get caught with the ball - they don't have a strong side.