Sly of the Underworld has launched a strong defence of Christian Petracca after the tumultuous recent weeks at the Melbourne Football Club involving the star midfielder.

The veteran crime writer stated Petracca “nearly died” from the injuries suffered during the King’s Birthday clash earlier in the year, and for people to have gone against him is “absolutely outrageous” in Sly’s opinion.

“People better get an understanding of stress management,” Sly told Ross and Russ.

Press PLAY to hear his comments on Petracca + the untold story relating to Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico 

Image (Petracca): Dylan Burns/Getty