Despite Melbourne categorically saying Christian Petracca is going nowhere, there’s a “nuclear” option in front of the star Demon that would force Melbourne to trade him to a Victorian rival.
The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph revealed on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that Petracca could use a process through the AFL’s collective bargaining agreement where the AFL would step in to broker a trade through mediation.
Rumours continue to circulate around Petracca’s future at the Demons as he becomes increasingly frustrated.
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“He will do anything he wants in the next six weeks to get himself outside of the Melbourne Football Club, he’s prepared to watch the world burn if it gets him to the club of his choice,” Ralph began.
Petracca had been linked to both Carlton and Collingwood, although both clubs have all but ruled out a play for the Demons superstar.
So, what will Petracca do if the Dees don’t strike a deal? Ralph says there’s one last ditch option in front of Petracca.
“The nuclear option, if all else fails, it’s the AFL’s grievance process which is detailed in the CBA, it’s never been used before, he’d have to prove a breach of contract and the basis of that would be the club’s treatment of him,” Ralph said.
“There are some people in the industry that think he would have some sort of case, that’s an educated view.
“If all else fails, whether that’s public discussions or a tell all interview, he at least has one final throw at the stumps to say you must trade me. He’s going to hope it doesn’t get to that, but it is something that he could work through.
“Everyone talks about brand… people who are close to him would say he knows the damage he is doing to his brand right now and yet the fact he is so keen to be traded shows you the reasons that he has, he has powerful reasons to get out.”
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It comes as reports circulate of growing resentment between the playing group.
“His teammates want clarity from Christian, ‘are you in or are you out?,” Ralph’s Herald Sun colleague Jay Clark said.
“Every day this uncertainty continues to drag on… the team culture is being dragged through the mud, it is taking a toll on the bond (between players).”
The Demons held a player only meeting last week, where Petracca opened up to teammates about the difficulties he has faced both mentally and physically in the past few months.
“They want clarity, I think Christian Petracca can play for the Melbourne Football Club next year, but there needs to be some repairing of some of the relationships,” Clark said.
With 45 days until the AFL Trade Period ends, the Christian Petracca saga looms as a fascinating watch.
Source Agencies
