“Frustrates me”: Gold Coast star takes aim at critics over ‘Brand Petracca’

Gold Coast star recruit Christian Petracca finds it "frustrating" that detractors are coming for his off-field interest in cooking, with his social media cooking page, On.Trac5, taking off in recent years.

Petracca was a high-profile move over the off-season, departing Melbourne for greener pastures after a pair of tumultuous years, which began due to the infamous dealing of the King's Birthday injury in 2024.

The 2021 Norm Smith medallist sought a fresh start at the Suns for his career, but has commented on the critics going after his cooking interests.

"It does frustrate me this whole ‘Brand Petracca' ... I don't know where this has come from," Petracca said.

"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."

Petracca's move to the Sunshine State has been fruitful from a personal perspective, immersing himself in the lifestyle on the Gold Coast.

Early mornings, beach swims, and fishing have been positive introductions into the 30-year-old's life, which has had a dramatic impact on his mental well-being.

"Up early, in bed early, off my phone a lot more," Petracca said.

"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."

The Suns will get a proper hit-out on Thursday against St Kilda at People First Stadium before taking on the reigning premiers, Brisbane, next week.

Gold Coast will open its season with a clash against Geelong on Friday, March 6.