While many AFL players would be content to kick the feet up after claiming a Norm Smith Medal during a drought-breaking flag win, it's clear that Christian Petracca wasn't.

Despite saving arguably his greatest ever performance for the 2021 season's grandest stage, Petracca is of the view that his 39 disposal, two-goal outing was just the beginning of his assent and not the peak.

Within The Herald Sun'sย season guide for the 2022 season, the former pick two expressed that during a stage his competitors were likely to be sitting back with a beer in hand, he was out on the track striving to raise his own benchmark.

AFL Rd 4 - Melbourne v Geelong
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Christian Petracca and his Demons team mates celebrate winning the round four AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"I had a lot of people saying, 'Have a break, enjoy it'," the bullish midfielder said.

"I was like, 'What's to enjoy?' We were in Covid, the outlet for me was going to the gym or for a run."

Though Melbourne's previously long-suffering fanatics are sure to be on their umpteenth run of the grand final replay less than a month out from the beginning of their first flag defence since 1965, Petracca had no desire to relive his heroics.

With the state still stuck in lockdown and his partner, Bella, working full-time, the dual All Australian began a new-age run into his eighth campaign clad in red and blue.
"Bella works from 8:30 until 5:30. What was I going to do? Sit on my arse all day and watch replays of the game?" Petracca continued.

"Someone sent me a tweet that someone had posted: 'Petracca already back in the gym.'

"That's our job, that's what I get paid to do.

"I don't get paid to sit on my arse, I get paid to train and get better for next year."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Christian Salem and Christian Petracca of the Demons celebrate winning the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Although a second 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy eluded the 26-year-old in 2021, with seasonal averages of 29.2 disposals, 6.3 clearances, 4.1 tackles and 1.2 goals per game, it was not through a lack of effort.

And with his demanding approach to improvement evident, opposition midfielders are sure to be for waking in cold sweats this season given they let the burgeoning Demons champion get the jump on them.

Petracca and Melbourne are set to face Carlton in their sole AAMI Community Series contest at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, March 3.

The oldest club in the land will unfurl their 13th premiership flag prior to their Round 1 rematch with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG - Melbourne's first before crowds at their historic home since Round 16 of last season.