CHRISTIAN Petracca says Collingwood remains the focus before any other ‘F’ word.

Speaking post-match after Melbourne’s 13-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, Petracca said next Saturday’s clash against the Pies at the ‘G was now his side’s immediate focus.

“It’s very exciting. Just one more win and we’re in, so we’ll recover well [for the Collingwood match],” he told Melbourne TV.

“We’ve got a six-day break and we’ll watch the [review of the Brisbane Lions] game and see what we can improve on and where we went well.

“Collingwood has been in some great form in the last four or five weeks, and they’ll be out in force with their fans as well, so it’ll be a great turn out, so that’s what we’re excited about.”

Petracca said it had been a genuine challenge against the emerging Lions.

“It was a real arm-wrestle and we knew the Lions were really skillful and they like to take that uncontested mark,” he said.

“It was another learning game for us late in the season and all we needed was the four points and we got them, which was an important thing.”

“It was pretty nerve-wracking. We just need to be a bit more composed and find a few marks, which we did that. We were really happy with the win and really excited for next week against Collingwood.”

Petracca, who had 22 disposals and kicked an important goal in the final term, said he was pleased with his game.

“It was good to get back into some form,” he said.

“The last few weeks, I’ve been playing my role, but probably haven’t been getting much of it. That speed to the contest wasn’t there and it was just good to get back to it, and now we'll do all the recovery and everything right.”

And Petracca also praised another young-gun, Jesse Hogan, who kicked six goals in an outstanding return from injury.

“He was really inspirational and he was launching at the ball,” he said.

“We don’t expect him to kick six goals every week, as long as he provides a contest, and that’s what he did – he jumped at the ball every time it went near him.

“To get back with six goals – it was awesome for him. The recovery and rehab he’s done has really paid off.”