With Christian Petracca officially telling Melbourne he would like to explore a trade, his exit from the Demons is now looking more and more imminent in the days leading up to trade period.
Both Adelaide and Gold Coast are in the race to convince him to nominate their club as his preferred destination, but the Crows and Suns will also have to put together a trade package that is enough to convince the Dees to part ways with their Norm Smith medallist, who is under contract until the end of 2029.
While Petracca's landing at Adelaide airport on Monday sparked many mock trade packages, it's believed the Demons, who are firm in that any return must be "in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club," will ask for at least a player from either club, according to AFL great James Hird.
"From what I understand, Melbourne want a player, they don't just want picks," Hird told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday.
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"They want a player because they believe that they're in that window to make finals and want to get better. And I think that's gonna be important as part of the deal.
"I'm not sure what Adelaide have or are willing to give up that Melbourne would be happy with in terms of a player."
"From what I understand, Melbourne want a player (for Christian Petracca)."
— AFL (@AFL) September 29, 2025
Listen to Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio: https://t.co/CIIRHh2FJ4 pic.twitter.com/iIbPvQSo2Y
Despite former Adelaide player Josh Jenkins speculating that young Crows forward Josh Rachele could be a part of a deal, the minor premiers are adamant they will not part with the 22-year-old, according to Seven's Theo Doropoulos.
Adelaide forward Josh Rachele will absolutely not be part of any deal involving Demons superstar Christian Petracca and a potential move to the Crows.
— Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) September 30, 2025
The 22-year old is contracted until 2029 and is considered untouchable.@7AFL @7NewsMelbourne
Compared to the Suns, the Crows have a weaker draft hand in this year's draft, and don't have any players linked to a move to Melbourne, like Gold Coast do.
The Dees have reportedly expressed an interest in rising Suns star Bailey Humphrey, and while that has also been shut down, the 2021 premiers are still a chance to land Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders, who is seeking a move to Victoria.