\n Updated\n <\/p>\n
\n The Demons have confirmed Christian Petracca has asked for a fresh start\n <\/p>\n
Christian Petracca during the round 21 match between Melbourne and West Coast at Marvel Stadium, August 2, 2025. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE CEO Paul Guerra says the club was “surprised” when star Christian Petracca officially informed them of his desire to play elsewhere in 2026.<\/p>\n
Petracca flew to Adelaide on Monday with wife Bella and manager Anna Scullie<\/a> and will meet with Crows officials while in South Australia.<\/p>\n Gold Coast and Hawthorn have also expressed an interest in the four-time All-Australian.<\/p>\n Speaking on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday, Guerra said the Demons would hold Petracca to his monster contract if they weren’t offered a deal good enough to ‘turn their head’.<\/p>\n “We were surprised to say the least, but it is what it is,” Guerra said.<\/p>\n “In an ideal world Christian stays with us, but ultimately it’s his call to explore other options. He believes he needs a fresh start so our view is let’s see what comes back from that.<\/p>\n “He has a four-year contract with the football club so if we don’t get a deal that satisfies us, Christian will be playing as a Melbourne footballer next year.<\/p>\n “Ultimately, it’s up to Christian and his team now to come forward with a deal that will satisfy us.<\/p>\n “We know what we’ve got and that’s a quality footballer that has a four-year contract. For Christian to leave the football club, it has to be a deal that turns our head.<\/p>\n “He’s a generational player for our club, premiership player, Norm Smith Medallist, second in our best and fairest this year, so it’s going to have to be something pretty good.<\/p>\n