Christian Petracca’s awful injuries revealed as Melbourne Demons star midfielder makes sad announcement
- Petracca makes an announcement from the hospital bed
- Says his 2024 AFL season is now officially over
- Christian Petracca was rushed to hospital on Monday
Christian Petracca has admitted his AFL season is over in a huge blow to Melbourne finals hopes as he revealed the full extent of his injuries.
The 28-year-old midfielder is recovering in hospital after surgery to repair four broken ribs and a ruptured spleen suffered in a marking match during the King’s anniversary loss to Collingwood.
He is expected to be released from hospital in the coming days, but does not expect to return to action for the Demons until next year.
“Grateful for all the love and support I have received over the past few days,” Petracca posted on social media Thursday.
Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca will miss the remainder of the 2024 AFL season
The 28-year-old is recovering in hospital after surgery on four broken ribs and a ruptured spleen
‘Although my season has come to an end, I am grateful that I still have the opportunity to give it my all in 2025.
‘In the meantime, I cheer on the boys from the sidelines and prepare tasty meals in the kitchen.’
Petracca’s season-ending concession comes after Melbourne expressed ‘full confidence’ in their medical team over the management of the star midfielder’s injuries.
The Demons came under fire for allowing Petracca back on the field against Collingwood after he was injured at the end of the first quarter.
He played on during the second term, but was eventually substituted out of the match. He had surgery on Monday evening.
“Christian is in good spirits and making positive progress in his recovery,” Demons football boss Alan Richardson said in a club statement.
‘Christian is expected to be transferred from intensive care to a general ward by (Thursday) morning and discharged from hospital in the coming days.
Petracca backed the club’s doctors and revealed he had pushed for a return to the field
“I want to make it clear that we have full confidence in the way our medical team responded and the procedures they followed.
“Their expertise and quick actions have been crucial in managing Christian’s injury and subsequent recovery.”
AFL chief Dr. Michael Makdissi spoke to Melbourne’s medical team on Tuesday, saying the league was “comfortable” with the way the Demons handled Petracca’s injuries.
Petracca also backed the club’s doctors, revealing after the match that he had pushed for a return to the pitch.
Melbourne (7-6) has lost four of its past five games, slipping out of the top eight in the process.
They have a bye this week before facing North Melbourne at the MCG on June 22.
