Melbourne has confirmed that contracted star Christian Petracca has informed the Demons of his desire to secure a "fresh start".
Petracca has been closely linked with both Adelaide and Gold Coast this off-season despite being on a deal with the Demons through to the end of 2029.
The 29-year-old met with Melbourne last week to discuss his playing future, with the Norm Smith Medal winner telling the club he wishes to explore his options on the open market.
In a letter to club members, Demons CEO Paul Guerra confirmed Petracca has "expressed his desire" to look elsewhere ahead of the trade period.
Melbourne will make a call on Petracca's future with "the best interest" of the club in mind.
"No doubt many of you would have heard Christian Petracca's name mentioned in recent days," Guerra wrote.
"As a footy club, we couldn't be more excited and confident in where our AFL program is headed. We know our future success will be built on people and players who are fully committed to where we are heading.
"We met with Christian late last week, where he expressed his desire to explore a fresh start in 2026.
"Christian is contracted for a further four years and is a once-in-a-generation player. With this in mind, any decision regarding Christian's future will be made in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club."
Petracca is yet to formally request a trade away from Melbourne, with his preferred destination also not yet known.
Adelaide's opening pick for this year's draft sits at 14th overall, while Gold Coast hold a trio of opening selections, the first of which comes in at Pick 6.
The trade period will open on Monday, and will run until Wednesday, October 15.
