Melbourne young gun better than Ablett, Gray, Dangerfield

Melbourne young gun Christian Petracca is ahead of Gary Ablett Jnr, Robbie Gray and Patrick Dangerfield at the same age according to the AFL's official stats provider, Champion Data.

Champion Data's ratings have the 21-year-old former Eastern Ranger, as the sixth best general forward so far in season 2017, but its when his numbers are compared to that of the Gold Coast champion and Port Adelaide livewire where his talent is highlighted even further.

"We’ve compared him at the same stage (23 matches) to Gary Ablett Jnr, Robbie Gray and Patrick Dangerfield. These three are the best comparisons of eventual stars as they all spent time earlier in their careers forward and became midfielders," Champion Data's Glenn Luff explained on SEN's Pure Footy.

"He has all three covered for disposals at the same age – he is averaging 18 and the next best is Robbie Gray with 14. He wins more contested ball, and only Robbie Gray has kicked more goals at this stage."

"He wins the ball better than most general forwards in the competition."

Its a big tick for the powerful Demon, who booted four goals in the club's 38-point win over Essendon on Sunday.