Christian Petracca's awful injuries revealed as Melbourne Demons star midfielder makes sad announcement

Christian Petracca has conceded his AFL season is over in a massive blow to Melbourne's finals hopes - as he revealed the full extent of his injuries.

The 28-year-old midfielder is recovering in hospital after surgery to repair four broken ribs and a lacerated spleen, sustained in a marking contest during the King's Birthday loss to Collingwood.

He is expected to be discharged from hospital in the coming days but doesn't expect to return to action with the Demons until next year.

'Thankful for all the love and support I've received these past few days,' Petracca posted on social media on Thursday.

'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.'

Petracca's season-ending concession comes after Melbourne expressed 'full confidence' in their medical team over its handling of the star midfielder's injuries.

The Demons came under fire for allowing Petracca back onto the field against Collingwood after he was hurt at the end of the first quarter.

He played on during the second term but was eventually substituted out of the match. He underwent surgery on Monday night.

'Christian is in good spirits and making positive strides in his recovery,' Demons football boss Alan Richardson said in a club statement.

'Christian is expected to be moved out of the ICU and into a general ward by (Thursday) morning, and discharged from hospital in the coming days.

'I want to make it clear that we have full confidence in how our medical team responded and the procedures they followed.

'Their expertise and swift actions have been crucial in managing Christian's injury and subsequent recovery.'

AFL chief medical officer Dr Michael Makdissi spoke with Melbourne's medical team on Tuesday, with the league 'comfortable' with how the Demons handled Petracca's injuries.

Petracca also backed the club's doctors and revealed after the match he had pushed to return to the field.

Melbourne (7-6) have lost four of their past five matches, slipping out of the top eight in the process.

They have a bye this week before facing North Melbourne at the MCG on June 22.