Christian Petracca stars on return for Melbourne ahead of AFL season

Christian Petracca made a strong return after a serious injury, and Clayton Oliver also kicked three goals, but these efforts were not enough to help Melbourne defeat Fremantle in their pre-season match in Western Australia, ultimately losing by 19 points. The final score was Melbourne 16.13 (109) to Fremantle 11.24 (90).

Petracca suffered severe internal injuries in the King's Birthday match against Collingwood on June 10, at one point being close to death. He also fractured his ribs in training in January, but he showed no signs of being hampered by the injuries in the practice match at Rushton Park in Mandurah on Sunday. He finished with 33 disposals, 9 clearances, and 594 meters gained, showcasing excellent athletic form.

Oliver also performed well, kicking three goals and completing 28 disposals and 11 clearances, which is a promising sign for the Melbourne Demons. In addition, Max Gawn (46 hitouts) showed inspiring spirit, stepping up time and time again. However, to Melbourne's detriment, forward Jacob van Rooyen limped off the field with back spasms in less than 40 seconds, ending his participation in the game.

Gawn's dominance in the ruck helped Melbourne win the clearance count 45-27, but their inaccuracy in the windy conditions cost them the chance to win the game in front of 7458 fans. Melbourne assistant coach Troy Chaplin said of Petracca: "For him to come out and perform at that level is a real testament to him as a player and a person." He also mentioned that Petracca was a bit anxious and nervous before the game, but through hard work, he prepared himself not only physically but also mentally, overcoming many difficulties to return in excellent condition.

For Fremantle, rookie Shai Bolton impressed, kicking two goals from his 13 disposals, while veteran forward Michael Walters kicked three goals. Fremantle winger Nathan O'Driscoll (two goals) showed plenty of attacking flair, and Josh Treacy (two goals) also performed well in attack but was rested in the final quarter. In the first quarter of the game, Petracca performed well, completing 7 disposals and 3 clearances. He won the first clearance of the match, nearly completed a 55-meter running goal in the middle of the first quarter, and almost caught up with Bolton later in the quarter.

On the other hand, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir firmly denied rumors that Luke Jackson was considering a move back to Victoria, saying that the star player has never been happier and wants to stay with Fremantle. Reports surfaced during Fremantle's pre-season win over Melbourne on Sunday that Jackson was willing to move back to Victoria, despite being contracted to Fremantle until 2029. Jackson won a premiership with the Demons in 2021, but his 52-game career with Melbourne ended a year later after joining Fremantle in a blockbuster trade.

When asked about the rumors linking Jackson with a move back east, Longmuir replied very affirmatively: "Don't worry about that. The Luke I've seen all pre-season hasn't given any indication that he wants to leave the club." He added: "People at the club have spoken to him, and he's reiterated that he doesn't want to go anywhere, he's never been happier." Jackson is considered a key figure in Fremantle's premiership push this year. The 23-year-old is expected to play as a forward for most of the season, while Liam Reidy will take on ruck duties while Sean Darcy (knee/ankle) recovers.

Jackson's ability to play as a forward, ruck, or big-bodied midfielder has earned him the nickname "football unicorn." When asked what role Jackson will play at the start of the season, Longmuir didn't reveal too much information. Fremantle will begin their season against Geelong at Kardinia Park on March 15. Longmuir said: "It's hard to say he'll do this, this and this because he's so flexible and we can use him in so many different ways." He added that he might be in the ruck in the first round, or he might not be. He might play forward, midfield, ruck. His role is critical, and no matter where he plays, he can really help Jye (Amiss) and JT (Josh Treacy) give us that third tall option up forward.