Melbourne and Christian Petracca are reportedly open to parting ways in the upcoming trade period.
The two parties don't "want to be seen as demanding a break-up", but if the right deal came their way, it would be explored.
Channel 9's Tom Morris revealed that the Demons still value him highly, and incoming senior coach Steven King told the club that he sees Petracca in the best 25.
The same goes for Clayton Oliver.
"He sees them in our best 25," Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra said on 3AW on Saturday.
"We have been clear about the fact that both of those are superstars. We understand why the media interest is there … the fact is they are contracted to the Melbourne footy club and we love that.
"When Steven put his best 25 up, they are in it."
Very delicately and cautiously, things are beginning to move with Christian Petracca.
Both parties would be open to a trade, but neither wants to be seen as demanding a break up.
Petracca is not as adamant as he was in 2024, and the Demons still value him highly. Definitely…
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 15, 2025
Petracca explored a trade away from the club 12 months ago, following his life-threatening injury he sustained in the King's Birthday clash against Collingwood.
The 2021 Norm Smith medallist signed a monster seven-year deal before the drought-breaking premiership, and he still has four more seasons to run, which increases the difficultly for a trade to be brokered.
Last year, it was understood that Petracca would accept a move to one of the powerhouse Melbourne clubs, with a strong desire to play at the MCG in front of huge crowds.
Teams like Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond and Hawthorn were immediately floated.
The Hawks, who are active players in the trade space, have been linked to Petracca throughout the season, eyeing him as a potential missing piece.
READ MORE: By the numbers - Why Petracca could be on the move
Coach Sam Mitchell has shown he is on the front foot, meeting with rival players, including Essendon captain Zach Merrett.
The Hawks have also been into Zak Butters, Harley Reid and Oscar Allen throughout the year, but were unable to successfully lure any of them.
Hawthorn holds Picks 8, 26, 55 and 69, and would likely net a second-round selection for James Worpel, pending he departs as a free agent to Geelong.
Petracca is likely worth two first-round picks and some young talent, which could be enticing for the Demons.
Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite have already been floated as potential options for rival clubs.
