A Victorian young gun, who has been floated as the key to unlocking Christian Petracca\u2019s move to Adelaide, has been taken off the table.<\/p>\n
Plus the surprise suitor for an out-of-favour Brisbane midfielder – and they\u2019re also chasing a Suns defender.<\/p>\n
Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!<\/p>\n
Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women\u2019s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n CROWS YOUNG GUN \u2018UNTOUCHABLE\u2019 IN PETRACCA CHASE<\/p>\n Melbourne is keen on landing a player in return for star midfielder Christian Petracca but the Crows are unwilling to give up exciting forward Josh Rachele, according to Seven\u2019s Theo Doropoulos<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Victorian has been suggested by many experts as the potential circuit-breaker for the deal, including Fox Footy\u2019s Jordan Lewis on Monday night\u2019s edition of On the Couch.<\/p>\n Rachele\u2019s name was floated as trade bait last off-season after he was dropped for not adhering to team-first values during games.<\/p>\n He then played 14 games in 2025, averaging more than two goals a week before injuries cruelled his season. He was rushed back in time to be the substitute for the Crows\u2019 semi-final loss to Hawthorn.<\/p>\n Petracca would likely spend some time at half-forward if he joined the Crows but they\u2019re unwilling to part with the No.6 pick from the star-studded 2021 Draft.<\/p>\n \u201cAdelaide forward Josh Rachele will absolutely not be part of any deal involving Demons superstar Christian Petracca and a potential move to the Crows,\u201d Seven\u2019s Theo Doropoulos tweeted.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 22-year old is contracted until 2029 and is considered untouchable.\u201d<\/p>\n CODE Sports reported<\/a> Luke Pedlar could be involved in the deal given his interest in more midfield time.<\/p>\n The Demons confirmed on Tuesday Petracca was interested in leaving the club.<\/p>\n \u201cWe met with Christian late last week where he expressed his desire to explore a fresh start in 2026,\u201d new CEO Paul Guerra said.<\/p>\n \u201cChristian is contracted for a further four years and is a once in a generation player. With this in mind, any decision regarding Christian\u2019s future will be made in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club.\u201d<\/p>\n Petracca, the No.2 pick in the 2014 Draft, is a four-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest winner, Norm Smith medallist, one-time club leading goalkicker and premiership player.<\/p>\n Eagles reconsidering Starcevich contract | 01:06<\/p>\n SURPRISE SUITOR FOR FORGOTTEN LION<\/p>\n The Western Bulldogs will attempt to bolster their midfield, entering the race for forgotten Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson.<\/p>\n