AFL legend weighs in on Petracca's emotional outbreak

AFL legend Luke Hodge has weighed in on the vision of Christian Petracca following Melbourne’s 39-point loss to Geelong on Friday night.

Petracca was visibly emotional following the contest, throwing his mouthguard to the ground and pulling his hair in frustration.

Hodge believes that displaying emotion on the ground during a game is beneficial for individuals and teammates, however, the emotions should be controlled following the final siren.

“It’s such an emotional, passionate game that we play, we watch, and we live,” Hodge told SEN’s Whateley.

“But all of a sudden, we are supposed to expect these players to put their heart on their sleeve and to show no emotion.

“I was very emotional on the football field, whether it was arms swaying, whether it was letting a teammate know whether he did the right or wrong thing.

“Because I felt as a player that that helped me to play my best. I know that if you get feedback then and there, it’s the best thing,

“But post-game you did have to rein it in.”

With millions of eyes on the players, particularly with constant media attention, Hodge believes that keeping emotions behind closed doors is vital for nullifying negative news.

“As football got more professional, as we had more cameras, as we had more reporters, they look for everything," he continued.

“They need stories, they need to have a look at what’s wrong, are they happy are they not happy.

“Especially after ‘Trac’ last year, there’s always going to be cameras on him post a bad loss or post a really good win if he is smiling.

“I did have a focus towards the end of my career, win, lose or draw, you shake a hand, and you walk off and then the emotions come out afterwards in the room or in meetings when you can express to teammates what you thought of the effort either from yourself or as a collective.”