Suns superstar recruit Christian Petracca has opened up on his decision to choose a move to Gold Coast for 2026 and beyond, flagging an "impressive" meeting with senior coach Damien Hardwick and assistant coach Shaun Grigg, which won him over.
The 2021 Norm Smith medallist found his way to the Suns in the final hour of the 2025 trade period, along with Pick 24, 28 and Melbourne's 2026 second-round selection, for Picks 7, 8, 37 and the Suns' 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round selection.
While speaking to the media on Friday, Petracca quashed the idea that his move up north had to do with escaping the 'Melbourne footy bubble', and highlighted his desire to achieve success with Gold Coast's exciting group, which broke their 14-season September drought this season.
"I don't mind the Melbourne bubble. I've been there all my life and grew up there; I love footy," Petracca said.
"The decision was about football, and I'm excited to be a part of the Suns. I'm grateful to be a part of this.
"For me, 'Dimma' Hardwick was really impressive. I sat down with Shaun Grigg and got clarity on my role and what it looks like.
"From the moment I walked in here, everyone made me feel really valued and respected. Touk Miller, Jarrod Witts came to the club and made us feel welcome. Every year you see the Suns get better and better, and I want to be a part of something special."
Petracca said that he would likely feature in a hybrid mid-forward, working in tandem with the dominant inside bulls of Noah Anderson and Matthew Rowell, who won the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and Brownlow Medal, respectively, this year.
Petracca was listed as a mid-forward at Melbourne this season and averaged 25.5 disposals, 5.2 inside 50s and 7.3 score involvements per game, which led the Demons.
"It's similar to what I've played in the past, that mid-forward role. It's pretty crazy when you look at some of my teammates who will be in the midfield with me," Petracca said.
"Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller, who I played a bit of footy with growing up, so it's pretty special.
"Hopefully I can bring something to them and I can learn off them. It'll definitely be that mid-forward role, I'll play both positions."
