Christian Petracca is set to embrace his “scary” change of clubs, with Gold Coast’s star recruit determined to be part of “something special” with the Suns.
After 11 seasons with Melbourne, a stint that included premiership success and a Norm Smith Medal, Petracca can’t wait to make a “fresh start” under Suns coach Damien Hardwick after choosing Gold Coast over Adelaide as his new club.
“It is a big move but an exciting one,” Petracca said from Suns headquarters on Friday.
“Change is sometimes scary but it also creates great opportunities.
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“Every year you see the Suns get better and better, and I want to be part of something special.”
“The culture of the Suns is why I came here, too. What they’re building is special.”
Petracca, who turns 30 in January, also suggested the Gold Coast was an ideal place to ensure he could get the most out of his body and performances for as long as possible.
“Footy was always a number one priority of my decision. I love my job, I’m passionate about my football, I know I can go to another level with my football, and no doubt being in this environment and being in this weather, it suits an athlete’s lifestyle,” he said.
“Recovery, there’s obviously the beach. I’m really passionate about my recovery and my performance, so no doubt being by the beach and being in good weather definitely helps you perform better.”
Petracca said he had spoken on the phone with new Demons coach Steven King about his eagerness for a change of scenery.
“I just told him about my idea of wanting a fresh start. I’m incredibly grateful and appreciative of my time at Melbourne … but for me today, it is about the Suns,” he said.
“It is the next chapter of my life.”
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It’s a football life that has him now calling elite midfielders Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Touk Miller teammates rather than rivals.
“It’s pretty crazy when you look at some of my teammates that are going to be in the midfield with me – Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller as well,” Petracca said.
“Hopefully I can bring something to them, but also I can learn off them as well.”
Petracca was also excited about having the chance to play alongside another Gold Coast star, 21-year-old Bailey Humphrey, who the Suns refused to relinquish during the recent trade period.
“He reminds me of myself when I was at that age, raw, but he came fourth in the (Suns’) best and fairest, which is pretty scary considering how many more levels he can go to,” Petracca said.
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