CHRISTIAN Petracca says he is not the player he wants to be right now.

The explosive Melbourne youngster has conceded that his form over the last month has been inconsistent, but believes that getting back to basics will help him return to his best.

Having started the season strongly, Petracca hasn't been able to impact games in the way he'd like over recent weeks – held to just 15 and 17 disposals in his last two games.

But the 22-year-old says that a stronger emphasis on the defensive side of his role will enable other aspects of his game to shine, saying that has been his main focus with Demons coach Simon Goodwin as he aims to lift his performance levels.

"I think I've got a fair bit of improvement to do," Petracca said.

"I'm not the player I want to be at the moment. I want to be someone who has an impact in every game. At the moment, I'm probably not doing that.

"All I want to focus on at the moment is just doing what Simon tells me to do, playing my role as that half-forward by putting a lot of pressure on. It's stuff that probably doesn't get recognised, but it does get recognised inside the four walls."

Petracca continues to mix a role as a high half-forward with stints through the midfield, saying he knows he can make things happen when he gets near the ball.

However, the talented youngster's impact has waned recently. He's kicked multiple goals just once all season, while he has been held to fewer than 20 disposals in five of his last eight games.

He's now hoping to fulfil his lofty potential, which he has shown glimpses of at different stages throughout the campaign.

"I feel like I started the season off alright," Petracca said at the launch of Melbourne's 'Welcome Game' this Sunday against St Kilda at the MCG.

"My form in the last three or four weeks has been a bit down, but I've just got to get back to doing the basics well.

"I know that when I'm at the contest and when I'm around the ball, things happen. I just want to get back to that and keep having that confidence and believing in myself.

"Simon Goodwin has been awesome. He's put the faith into me, but not just me, all of the other guys as well."

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