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Melbourne Village Today
By the People, for the People
Gold Coast Star Defends 'Brand Petracca' Against Criticism
Christian Petracca scoffs at claims his off-field activities are a distraction from football.
Feb. 17, 2026 at 5:31pm
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New Gold Coast Suns player Christian Petracca has hit back at criticism of his off-field activities, including his popular cooking shows, dismissing claims that he wanted to leave the Melbourne Demons to further his 'brand'. Petracca, who won a premiership with the Demons in 2021, says his outside interests have actually helped his on-field performance and that players should be celebrated for having activities beyond just football.
Why it matters
The debate around whether AFL players should focus solely on their sport or be allowed to pursue other interests and build their personal brands is an ongoing one. Petracca's comments highlight how some players view their off-field activities as complementary to their football careers.
The details
After considering a trade away from Melbourne following the 2024 season, media reports suggested Petracca wanted to move to a bigger club to further develop his 'brand', which includes popular cooking shows. This drew criticism from former player and media personality Kane Cornes, who said 'it's not about your brand, you play a team game'. However, the 30-year-old midfielder dismissed these comments, saying it's 'laughable' to suggest his outside interests are a distraction, and that they have actually helped his on-field performance.
- Petracca won a premiership with the Melbourne Demons in 2021.
- In 2024, Petracca considered a trade away from Melbourne.
- In 2024, Kane Cornes criticized Petracca's focus on his 'brand' on SEN radio.
The players
Christian Petracca
A 30-year-old midfielder who recently joined the Gold Coast Suns after winning a premiership with the Melbourne Demons in 2021.
Kane Cornes
A former AFL player and current media personality who criticized Petracca's focus on his 'brand' in 2024.
What they’re saying
“This whole 'Brand Petracca' ... I don't know where this has come from. We should be promoting and celebrating guys having something away from football.”
— Christian Petracca, Gold Coast Suns Player
“It's not about your brand, you play a team game.”
— Kane Cornes, Former AFL Player and Media Personality
The takeaway
This debate highlights the evolving role of player brands and outside interests in professional sports. While some view these activities as distractions, others see them as complementary to a player's on-field performance and an important part of a balanced lifestyle beyond just football.
