Melbourne have locked away their biggest star on a long-term deal with Christian Petracca signing on until the end of the 2029 AFL season.
Melbourne sensation Christian Petracca has shown his faith in the unbeaten AFL leaders’ future, signing a seven-year contract extension tying him to the Demons until the end of 2029.
The explosive midfielder/forward has played a crucial role in the Demons’ best start to an AFL season in 56 years, averaging 29 disposals, six clearances, 7.29 inside-50s and more than a goal a game.
Petracca, 25, was already contracted to Melbourne for 2022 but would have been a restricted free agent at the end of next season.
“No doubt whatsoever (I would re-sign) – it’s obviously very exciting,” Petracca told the club’s website.
“Obviously there was a lot of thought to go into it – it’s my whole career, pretty much.
“To map out a seven-year plan with the club is really exciting and I’m just really happy with the direction the club’s going.”
Petracca was pick No.2 in the 2014 AFL draft but tore his ACL in his first pre-season and had to wait until round six, 2016 to make his debut.
He has since gone on to boot 102 goals in 109 games.
Melbourne’s leading goalkicker in 2019, Petracca broke through for his first All-Australian guernsey in 2020 – a season where he also won Melbourne’s best and fairest award, before kicking on this year.
Petracca follows Max Gawn, Jake Lever, Clayton Oliver and Christian Salem in re-signing.
“Over the past couple of seasons, Christian has established himself as one of the competition’s elite players and we are confident his best is still to come,” Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said.
“To turn his back on free agency, and what would have undoubtedly been significant offers from other clubs, is a testament to his character and shows how much he loves this club, his teammates, coaches and the environment we have worked so hard to create.
“It is an exciting time to be a part of the club and Christian has been unwavering in his commitment to being part of the journey we are on.”
Nico
Roar Rookie
Was going to mention Oscar Allen, but unfortunately he's a very old 22.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Hmmmm, did someone say Zac Butters?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't mind Sam Walsh signing a 7 year contract at Richmond!
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I am sure there are clauses regarding possible long term injuries and amount of games played over the long contract period. I say Sam Walsh because he is undoubtedly the best 21yo talent currently playing AFL and has got better each year he has played. I would be devastated if Carlton ever lost him.
phillip
Guest
It is too simple to look only at the length of term of the Contract. Within the contract itself will be multiple layers dealing with compensation/incentives/trade arrangements/etc. The List Manager and CEO will be all over the impact of a 7 year deal and its impact on the Club. My understanding is that Trac and his Manager went to the Club with a proposal around 7 years and that got massaged to an outcome. Demon 15 : :happy:
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I'm not against 5 year deals, but 7 is to long, what if he breaks his leg next week and never comes back?
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I wouldn’t mind Sam Walsh signing a 7 year contract with the Blues.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
7 year contracts are stupid, no one knows what's going to happen, plus there's the lack of accountability it brings. I'd be unhappy if Port ever signed anyone for that long
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Yep he will be worth it 100% particularly if they can extend some of the lesser lights around Melbourne.