Melbourne swingman Harrison Petty has come under scrutiny for a series of poor efforts during Sunday's loss to the GWS Giants. The 26-year-old, capable of playing at either end of the ground, was primarily used in defence against the Giants but endured a day to forget.
Giants Dominate as Petty Struggles
The Giants kicked 19 goals en route to a 49-point victory, with key targets Callum Brown and Max Gruzewski each booting three goals. Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes highlighted several 'concerning' efforts and suggested Petty should be sent back to the VFL to rediscover form.
“I don’t know what he does. I don’t know what he does that benefits the team,” Cornes said on The Agenda Setters. “Like easy lead-up marks. This was a concern for me. Outmarked far too often. Doesn’t know where to play him. Is it forward? Is it back? Gives away free kicks here. I could have shown 10 of them. I’ve probably only got six for you, but a lot of those lead to goals. I think he needs to go back and find some form because you can’t let that ball over the back. That just leads to so many goals. He has so many goals kicked on him or the team kicks a goal as a result of his mistake.”
Cornes continued: “What’s he doing here? Harrison Petty, are you going to press or are you just going to stand there twiddling your thumbs? Get up and press and put some pressure on. So I think it’s time for some form back at the low level for Harrison Petty.”
Petty's Career Trajectory
Petty rose to prominence in the 2021 season, playing 19 games and featuring in a key role during the club's drought-breaking premiership. However, he struggled to cement his spot in the backline, and by 2023 he was moved forward, where he impressed with a six-goal haul against Richmond. Adelaide reportedly launched an audacious bid to poach Petty, who was still under contract, during the 2023 trade period, but the Demons held onto him. He has mainly played forward since then, as well as pinch-hitting in the ruck, but has failed to set the world on fire.
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