Gold Coast Suns recruit Christian Petracca has firmly dismissed suggestions that his desire to leave the Melbourne Demons was motivated by ambitions to grow his off-field cooking channel, labelling such claims as "laughable." The 2021 AFL premiership winner and Norm Smith Medallist, who secured a trade to join Damien Hardwick's Suns this year, emphasised that his priority remains on-field success, though he expects his off-field pursuits to positively influence his new club.
Transition to Coastal Lifestyle
The 30-year-old's move from the Demons followed a serious injury, disappointing team results, and speculation that he sought a higher-profile club to enhance his personal brand, which includes popular cooking videos on social media. Petracca, however, has embraced the classic coastal Queensland lifestyle since arriving, noting its significant impact on his wellbeing.
"This whole 'Brand Petracca'... I don't know where this has come from," Petracca told reporters on Monday. "We should be promoting and celebrating guys having something away from football. The average career length is four-and-a-half years. It's important to me, and I've found my cooking stuff has had a direct correlation with my performance."
Mental Health and Performance
Petracca revealed that his mental health has dramatically improved since relocating north, attributing this to a healthier daily routine. "Up early, in bed early, off my phone a lot more," he explained. "I'm outside, fishing, crabbing. It's the most present and healthiest I've felt mentally for quite a while... a great balance between life and footy. It's been incredible to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself."
He expects this improved mental state to translate directly to his football performance, dismissing critics who target his life away from the sport. "Some of the comments about me wanting to leave because of a cooking channel is kind of laughable," Petracca added, highlighting the importance of off-field interests for athletes.
Integration at Gold Coast Suns
Since joining the Suns, Petracca has been actively involved in the club's culture, taking younger players through cooking basics in the kitchen. His Instagram cooking account, which boasts 554,000 followers, features hearty and cost-effective recipes, and has become a bonding tool within the team.
Suns assistant and midfield coach Shaun Grigg praised Petracca's attitude and integration. "He doesn't think he's the finished product," Grigg told AAP. "He's a much-loved figure of the group already. His love of food and cooking brings people together, and he's hosted some of the boys... always looking to do things like that around the club."
Midfield Strengthening
Petracca is set to add significant muscle to an already stacked Suns midfield, complementing players like reigning Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell, captain Noah Anderson, and hard-running former skipper Touk Miller. Silky defender Wil Powell is also expected to spend more time in the engine room this season.
Grigg emphasised the strategic benefits of Petracca's addition. "We've got a great, selfless midfield group, guys that have been around and are stars," he said. "Now it's about the team balance, and his strengths are around the stoppages... and he can be penetrating and damaging with his ball use."
Petracca's move comes fresh off the Suns' breakthrough finals campaign, and he is focused on contributing to further success, leveraging both his on-field skills and off-field passions to foster team cohesion and performance.
