Christian Petracca, arguably the most important player on the Melbourne Football Club’s roster, is under fire. Fans have been up in arms over his negative body language in the past few games. That all changed after a major shot at teammate Harvey Langford. Petracca’s volcanic angry mood after he didn’t receive the ball wasn’t a good look. His behavior has understandably raised questions about the team’s leadership requirements. This concern only deepened when coach Simon Goodwin recently stepped down.
It happened during a game against top-of-the-table side the Western Bulldogs, only four days after Goodwin’s sacking. Petracca’s frustration became evident when he put his arms up in disapproval instead of supporting Langford after the latter’s long kick resulted in a goal. Langford didn’t look to make the extra pass to Petracca. In return, Petracca did not take kindly to this, which turned the head of all commentators and observers.
Petracca’s actions made headlines on the podcast “The Agenda Setters.” Aiming at the lack of body language, ex-footie Luke Hodge laid into the issue. Hodge stated, “This next one is damning … You’ve got Christian Petracca here letting him (Langford) know … he’s put the arms up, he hasn’t followed in.” He went on to emphasize that it’s these very reactions that poison the well of team chemistry. First, they undermine Petracca’s credibility as a legislative leader.
Hodge further questioned the appropriateness of Petracca’s conduct, asking rhetorically whether he should have instead acknowledged Langford’s effort: “Do you go to the young kid and say, ‘hey, good kick to the top of the goal square?” He noted that the lack of support and encouragement from seasoned players like Petracca sends a negative message to younger teammates.
The criticism extends beyond Petracca. Another fellow Demon, Jake Melksham, has been criticised for his body language on field. Both players’ actions are well short of what’s expected from a leadership group member in Melbourne. They should be training their less experienced team mates and peers.
Petracca, for his part, called for the ball even though a defender was all over him. He wasn’t even in the best possible position, which was even more troubling. Observers are calling on him to make this a top priority. Whether he remains with the club next season or not, there must be immediate action taken. Hodge suggested that a shift in mindset is necessary: “So if you’re looking as a coach coming into this Melbourne football club, the first thing I’ll be doing is getting to the leaders and say play like leaders, react like leaders, and support your younger teammates.”
Kane Cornes, another host of “The Agenda Setters,” commented on the mood and culture around the club. He slammed his former team of Melbourne for being too “soft on senior players.” He argued that the culture of the team does not leave any accountability on its leaders for their leadership. He jokingly suggested a mascot switcheroo. “Tuck one of my old teddy bears in here and substitute it for the demon! Cause all they wanna do is cuddle, is cuddle, is cuddle… Each other!”
Interim coach Troy Chaplin had high praise for Melbourne’s leaders in his post-match press conference. He wants to help create a culture that’s more nurturing in the future, even as he received blame for it. Yet still, emphasis on Petracca and Melksham’s actions as critical points of intervention.
