- Petracca makes the announcement from his hospital bed
- Says its 2024 AFL season is now officially over
- Christian Petracca was rushed to hospital on Monday.
Christian Petracca has admitted his AFL season is over, dealing a blow to Melbourne’s finals hopes as he revealed the full extent of his injuries.
The 28-year-old midfielder is recovering in hospital following surgery to repair four broken ribs and a lacerated spleen, suffered in a marking contest during King’s Birthday’s defeat 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’ve received these past few days,” Petracca posted on social media Thursday.
Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca to miss remainder of 2024 AFL season
The 28-year-old is recovering in hospital from an operation to repair four broken ribs and a lacerated spleen.
“While my season may have come to an end, I am grateful to still have the opportunity to give it my all again in 2025.
“In the meantime, I’ll be cheering on the kids from the sidelines and preparing delicious meals in the kitchen.”
Petracca’s end-of-season award comes after Melbourne expressed “full confidence” in their medical team for their handling of the star midfielder’s injuries.
The Demons were criticized for allowing Petracca to return to the field against Collingwood after he was injured late in the first quarter.
He continued playing during the second period, but was eventually removed from the game. He had surgery Monday night.
“Christian is in good spirits and is making positive progress in his recovery,” Demons head of football Alan Richardson said in a club statement.
‘Christian is expected to be released from ICU and onto a general ward on Thursday morning and is expected to be discharged from hospital in the coming days.
Petracca supported the club’s doctors and revealed that he had pushed to return to the field
‘I want to make it clear that we have full confidence in how our medical team responded and the procedures they followed.
“His experience and quick actions have been crucial in managing Christian’s injury and subsequent recovery.”
AFL chief medical officer Dr Michael Makdissi spoke to Melbourne’s medical team on Tuesday and the league was “comfortable” with how the Demons handled Petracca’s injuries.
Petracca also backed the club’s doctors and revealed after the game that he had pushed for a return to the field.
Melbourne (7-6) has lost four of its last five games, falling out of the top eight in the process.
They have a bye this week before facing North Melbourne at the MCG on June 22.