Christian Petracca made a successful return after a year of tumult, but Jacob van Rooyen is in doubt for round one after Melbourne’s pre-season clash against Fremantle on Sunday.
In his first competitive hit-out since suffering life-threatening injuries in the King’s Birthday match last year, Petracca began the afternoon in the centre square before shifting forward in front of an appreciative crowd at Mandurah, on the south-west coast of Western Australia.
Melbourne star Christian Petracca was in excellent touch against Fremantle on Sunday.Credit: via Getty Images
He had the first kick – and clearance – of the match, executed a strong chase-down tackle and moved freely in the first half with 12 disposals and five clearances, showing no signs of the injuries that last year derailed his campaign and had him questioning his future at the club.
“It is pretty special to see him back out there. It’s been a long time. Everyone had a smile on their face just seeing him win the ball,” Demons coach Simon Goodwin told Fox Footy.
Petracca cracked a rib at training in January, but his attack on the ball also reinforced he was well over this injury.
Ed Langdon has made a name for himself as one of the league’s best wingmen, his hard-running up and down the ground long being central to the Demons’ game plan. But, in a new role, he spent significant time as an inside midfielder, working alongside Jack Viney and Petracca.
On the scoreboard: Clayton Oliver booted the Demons’ first goal of the afternoon.Credit: via Getty Images
However, the contest did not begin well for van Rooyen, the key forward leaving the field in discomfort in the opening minute with back spasms. He lay on the turf in front of the bench and had treatment, but was soon ruled out for the rest of the game.
“He has got a back spasm. Hopefully, he is right for round one,” Goodwin said.
Van Rooyen, with 30 goals last season, would be a major loss for the season opener against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG in a fortnight, for he is the man the Demons hope can ease their scoring woes of recent seasons.
Fellow star Clayton Oliver, however, moved well.
He, too, had a tumultuous 2024, at one point seeking a trade to Geelong, but the four-time club best-and-fairest winner was at ease with his teammates in the hot conditions.
His well-weighted left-foot pass found Bayley Fritsch about 35m from goal early in the first term, although the left-footer botched the shot.
It was then left to Oliver himself to deliver the Demons’ opening goal when he tackled Liam Reidy and won a free kick, converting the set shot from 35m.
Oliver had 14 touches, including six clearances, to half-time, the Demons trailing by six goals.
More to come
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