https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/petracca-airs-grievances-in-private-meeting-of-dees-leaders-20240828-p5k60z.html
Petracca’s concerns included his belief that Melbourne people did not check in with him enough in the aftermath of his King’s Birthday injury, the pending departure of teammate Alex Neal-Bullen, and previous culture issues.
Three teammates, who have spoken to this masthead on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, remain concerned that while Petracca’s grievances have now been aired several times to the players, they are not sure how the problems can be fixed.
The pending departure of another premiership player, Neal-Bullen, was another talking point, with Petracca suggesting this could have been avoided if the environment was better at the Dees.
However, Neal-Bullen has told the club he would like to return home to South Australia for family reasons.
Saturday’s was one of several meetings that Petracca has had with teammates and leaders, but they have done little to sway his view that he wants to play for a rival Melbourne powerhouse club in 2025.
The 28-year-old reiterated his position in his exit review meeting on Monday, although he has not formally requested a trade.
He has told coach Simon Goodwin and other senior figures that he is frustrated with continuously playing in front of small crowds.
In two of Melbourne’s last three home games, the crowds have been 16,246 (against Greater Western Sydney) and 17,867 (against Port Adelaide).
He has also told them that representing a larger club could increase his brand and marketability. Petracca’s representatives have denied that personal brand issues are having any impact on his decision-making.
Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox, who suffered a similar – albeit nowhere near as serious – spleen injury in the previous season, reached out to offer the name of the specialist he saw during his rehabilitation.
Moore, who is a friend of Petracca’s, also checked in on him.
However, there are frustrations with Petracca, too.
Several players were disappointed at the level of Petracca’s social media activity while on holiday in Noosa, when the Demons were fighting to stay in finals contention.
Carlton remain an interested party in the evolving Petracca situation.
Any potential trade involving a contracted Blues player will be put on hold as the team prepares for an elimination final against the Brisbane Lions next Saturday, according to two club sources not prepared to publicly discuss the issue.
But the club has internally raised the significance of Petracca’s availability and is willing to act aggressively to pursue a deal.
Petracca and his management declined to comment.