Melbourne will be without star Christian Petracca for the rest of their AFL premiership campaign, after he admitted that his 2024 season was over as he recuperates in hospital.
Petracca suffered a lacerated spleen, a punctured lung, and four broken ribs during the club's King's Birthday clash against the Magpies.
On Thursday, the Demons midfielder posted to Instagram acknowledging that he would not play again this year.
"Thankful for all the love and support I've received these past few days," he posted.
"While my season may have come to an end, I'm grateful I still have the opportunity to give it my all again in 2025.
"In the meantime, I'll be cheering the boys on from the sidelines and making some tasty meals in the kitchen."
The four-time All Australian Petracca copped a Darcy Moore knee to the side in a marking contest near quarter-time, and looked in severe pain as trainers raced to help the Demons gun.
Club doctors approved his return to play in the belief he only had a rib injury, before it became clear in the second term he was in significant discomfort.
Petracca was then pictured in the rooms on a stretcher waiting to be taken by ambulance to hospital.
The news adds to the injury woes for the Demons, who are still missing key defender Jake Lever, midfielder Lachie Hunter, and swingman Jake Melksham, although all three are expected back within the next month or so.
Melbourne has lost four of its last five matches to drop outside the eight, sitting in 10th after 13 rounds.
The club has a bye this round, allowing them another week to reset before facing North Melbourne, Brisbane, West Coast, Essendon and Fremantle in the rounds to come.