Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Christian Petracca has been criticised after a heated exchange with Gold Coast Suns teammate Leonardo Lombard during their 13-point AFL loss to Carlton at Marvel Stadium. The incident came as the Gold Coast Suns suffered a seventh straight defeat and slipped further away from the finals race.
Television footage showed Christian Petracca confronting Leonardo Lombard after the young forward was caught holding the ball inside the attacking 50. Leonardo Lombard responded angrily, although AFL reporter Jon Ralph later said the pair were laughing about the moment after the game.
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David King Questions Christian Petracca
North Melbourne great David King said Christian Petracca should have handled the mistake differently when dealing with a developing teammate.
“I think Christian Petracca is the biggest loser for the weekend,” David King said. “I just think when you’re there to encourage young players to come out of their shell and find their ceiling and be the best they can be.
“Yeah, they make some mistakes, but to sort of go after them multiple times like he did, I don't think is advantageous to where you're going as a footy club.”
Gold Coast Suns Face Difficult Run
The Gold Coast Suns sit 12th, one win and percentage behind 10th-placed St Kilda. They now face Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Brisbane Lions and St Kilda in a demanding run home.
Missing the finals would represent a major setback after last season’s progress. Official fixtures and ladder updates are available through the AFL website.