Trade
Melbourne has secured a bumper draft haul.
Melbourne has secured one of the biggest AFL draft hauls in recent memory, in a trade that saw the Demons receive three first-round draft selections from the Gold Coast SUNS in exchange for midfielder Christian Petracca.
Melbourne now holds pick No.7 and 8 in next month’s Telstra AFL Draft, alongside pick No.37, as well as a future first-round selection (2026 Draft) and future third-round selection (2027 Draft).
The Dees part ways with pick No.24 and 28 in this year’s draft and a future second-round pick (2026 Draft).
Demons AFL List Manager Tim Lamb thank Petracca, who played 212 games across 11 seasons, for his contribution.
“Trac has made an incredible contribution during his time at the Melbourne Football Club,” Lamb said.
“He produced many memorable moments as a Melbourne player, bringing a lot of joy to our members and supporters. His desire and drive to get the best out of himself has been a hallmark of his time in the red and blue.
“While it’s always difficult to part ways with a player of Trac’s calibre, we are confident that a deal of this magnitude allows us to set the club for success whilst also allowing us to fulfil Trac’s request to embark on a fresh start in the Gold Coast.
“We thank Trac, his partner Bella and his extended family for all they have given to the club.
“Trac will always be welcome at our footy club and we and wish him and Bella all the best for this next chapter.”
Petracca was selected with pick No.2 in the 2014 AFL Draft and made his debut in Round 6 of the 2016 season. He celebrated his 200-game milestone earlier this year.
The 29-year-old departs as a four-time All-Australian, two-time Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy winner and a Melbourne Football Club Life Member, with a premiership medallion and Norm Smith medal also on his list of accolades.
Lamb spoke to the club’s list strategy, having acquired three first round selections.
“With Christian being the calibre of player that he is, combined with the fact he is a contracted player, it was important that any trade held a significant return for us, and was in-line with our list management strategy,” Lamb said.
“With these picks in hand, we can now attack next month’s AFL draft and look to bring in more top-end talent to the club.”