Christian Petracca slammed as damning act exposed during loss to Western Bulldogs
Just five days after Melbourne axed premiership coach Simon Goodwin, the Demons fell by six points to the Western Bulldogs.
It was an incredible effort given the tumultuous time at the club, but concerning vision of club leader Petracca exposed a damning truth.
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On two separate occasions, the midfielder was seen flapping his arms about after not receiving the ball and even looked genuinely disappointed when he was overlooked for another option that worked out.
It led to AFL great Luke Hodge launching a scathing attack on the Demons star on Tuesday night, stating Petracca has made it clear that he is more concerned with his own stats than what is best for the team.
'You've got Christian Petracca here letting him (Langford) know … he's put the arms up, he hasn't followed in. But the worst part is what comes after,' the three-time premiership skipper said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
'That results in a goal. Yes, he is bypassed, lets him know, lets everyone know. But where's the reaction? Do you go to the young kid and say, 'Hey, good kick to the top of the goalsquare?'
'Do you go down to Kozzy Pickett, pat him on the back, or do you walk around? He's not going to anyone, he hasn't clapped, hasn't looked across at Langford, who didn't pass it to him, didn't say anything, (he just) turned around.
'That's a person who's worried about his own stats. So if you're looking as a coach coming into this Melbourne football club, the first thing I'll be doing is getting to the leaders and saying play like leaders, react like leaders, and support your younger teammates.'
On another occasion, Petracca gave his teammates a gobfull after being closely marked inside the forward 50.
After not receiving the ball, Petracca threw his head back and looked genuinely furious.
His body language has only fuelled speculation that he is searching for an exit as a rift in the playing group following the sacking of Goodwin becomes clear.
The 2021 Norm Smith Medallist appears to be on the lookout for a new club, with several potential destinations emerging for the star midfielder.
Hawthorn appears to be the obvious new home for Petracca if he wants the exit bad enough.
The Hawks desperately need another goalkicking midfielder, and their attempts to poach Harley Reid out of West Coast are expected to fall short.
While Melbourne needs a key forward desperately, and the Hawks have no shortage of them, making a swap deal very feasible.
Hawthorn has Mabior Chol, Mitch Lewis, Calsher Dear and Jack Gunston all fighting for three places, and it would make sense for one to give way, especially if it results in them snaring Petracca.
Collingwood and Carlton, who both voiced interest in Petracca at the end of last season, also could provide the 29-year-old with an exit plan.
But Hodge says, regardless of whether or not he is there next year, Petracca needs to fix his attitude.
'Maybe he may not be there (next year). (But) Wherever he goes, his body language needs to get better,' Hodge continued.
'It's not all about him. It's about the team and how the team is moving forward.'
However, it isn't just Petracca who could be itching to leave following Goodwin's exit.
Speculation about the playing futures of Bayley Fritsch and Judd McVee is still rife, and they may try to follow Petracca out the door.
While the future of captain Max Gawn is also up in the air, with the veteran big seeing Goodwin as a father figure, and he is understood to be furious with the club's decision to sack him.
In the meantime, the Demons will face the Hawks on Saturday afternoon, in a clash sure to provide plenty of fireworks.
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