Christian Petracca, a marquee signing for the Gold Coast Suns, has expressed his frustration with the criticism directed at his off-field passion for cooking. His popular social media cooking page, On.Trac5, has gained significant traction in recent years, but this burgeoning culinary interest has also drawn unwanted attention from some quarters.
Petracca’s move to the Suns in the off-season was a high-profile one, marking a departure from Melbourne after a couple of challenging years. These struggles at his previous club were notably compounded by the fallout from an infamous King’s Birthday injury in 2024, which cast a long shadow. Seeking a revitalised chapter in his career, the 2021 Norm Smith medallist has now spoken out about the naysayers who seem to take issue with his dedication to the kitchen.
“It does frustrate me this whole ‘Brand Petracca’ … I don’t know where this has come from,” Petracca commented. “We should be promoting and celebrating guys having something away from football. The average career length’s four-and-a-half years. It’s important to me, and I’ve found my cooking stuff’s had a direct correlation with my performance. Some of the comments about me wanting to leave because of a cooking channel is kind of laughable. I’ve always put my best foot forward with footy, and that’s always been my number one priority.”
Embracing the Sunshine State Lifestyle
Petracca’s relocation to Queensland has proven to be a personally enriching experience, with the star playmaker fully immersing himself in the laid-back lifestyle the Gold Coast has to offer. This shift has involved a conscious effort to embrace new routines and activities that have significantly boosted his overall well-being.
- Daily Rhythms: Petracca has adopted an earlier wake-up and sleep schedule, which has contributed to him spending less time engrossed in his phone. This disciplined approach to his daily routine has been a cornerstone of his positive transformation.
- Outdoor Pursuits: A significant part of his new lifestyle involves spending more time outdoors. Activities like fishing and crabbing have become regular fixtures, allowing him to connect with nature and de-stress away from the pressures of professional sport.
- Mental Fortitude: The impact on his mental health has been profound. Petracca describes this period as the most present and healthiest he has felt mentally in a considerable time, highlighting the excellent equilibrium he has achieved between his football career and his personal life.
- Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone: He acknowledges the value of pushing his boundaries. This deliberate act of stepping outside his comfort zone and challenging himself has been instrumental in his personal growth and development.
Pre-Season Preparations Underway
As the AFL season approaches, the Gold Coast Suns are gearing up for crucial pre-season matches. The team is set to face St Kilda in a significant hit-out at People First Stadium on Thursday. This will be followed by an encounter against the reigning premiers, Brisbane, in the week ahead. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for the squad to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before the official season commences.
The Suns are scheduled to kick off their 2025 campaign with a challenging clash against Geelong on Friday, March 6. This opening fixture will be a stern test for the team as they aim to establish a strong presence in the league from the outset. The integration of new talent like Petracca, combined with a renewed focus on player well-being and a balanced lifestyle, signals a promising outlook for the Gold Coast Suns in the upcoming season. The club appears to be fostering an environment where players are encouraged to pursue diverse interests, recognising that a well-rounded individual can often translate into a more effective and resilient athlete on the field. This philosophy, championed by Petracca’s own experiences, suggests a forward-thinking approach to player development and team culture within the Suns organisation.
