Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca has re-emerged in AFL trade talk, with Hawthorn linked with the four-time All Australian.
Twelve months ago, Petracca was reported to be unhappy with the Demons' direction and keen on a move elsewhere before opting to recommit to the club.
Following a poor season for the Dees, which culiminated in Simon Goodwin's sacking, it is being speculated that now is the right time for Petracca to reignite his career at another club.
With Hawthorn seemingly intent on landing a big name midfielder, and missing out on Harley Reid following his contract extension with West Coast on Tuesday, Petracca could fit the bill at the Hawks.
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“Christian Petracca had his exit meeting two days ago on Monday and there was no trade discussed,” footy reporter Tom Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“I still think that Petracca will be at Melbourne next year, but the language out of the Demons isn't as resolute as what it was last year.
“Last year it was ‘he’s not going anywhere, he's staying’. This year it is ‘we hope he stays’ and I think a lot of it depends on the coach they get in as well.
“The thing is with Harley Reid now out of the equation for Hawthorn, they're going to be looking for a big fish midfielder from somewhere.
“I don't think they're going to be able to get Zak Butters this year. I think that's more in 12 months' time.
“I don't think they're going to be able to get Zach Merrett, Essendon just wouldn't allow that.
“So I'm looking at Christian Petracca and I wonder if Hawthorn can make a play for him and what they would have to give up to bring him in.
“Would a first-round pick do it? Would they have to give up more? And how much money would they pay with that contract as well, which is pretty lucrative.”
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Former Bulldogs star Adam Cooney joined Morris in the conversation and stated his belief Petracca should have left the club last year.
Cooney said it might be best for Melbourne's Norm Smith medallist to seek a fresh start away from the Demons.
“I think it'd be best if he wants to win another premiership in the next three years to go to Hawthorn, who are ahead of the flag race over Melbourne,” he said.
“The Demons are going to take a couple of years in terms of resetting with a new coach and they're going to have to make some big decisions with some of their stars to get them back up the ladder.
“So I think it'd be best for Petracca, if he wants to play in another flag in the next couple of years, to go."