Petracca’s doubts, nerves erased as Suns make statement
Murray Wenzel |
Christian Petracca was so nervous before his Gold Coast debut that it was him and not the 18-year-old Suns rookie that needed the pep talk from Damien Hardwick.
Whatever the triple-premiership coach said worked as the Norm Smith Medallist returned to his 2021 form in orchestrating a 56-point thumping of Geelong in an Opening Round AFL statement.
The former Demons premiership star kicked three goals, had 34 touches, four score assists and 678 metres gained as the Suns at one stage threatened to build a triple-figure lead.
Petracca suffered a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and four broken ribs in 2024, an injury he described as a life-changing and life-threatening moment.
And while he played every game last season for the Demons, Petracca’s move north was motivated by a desire to rediscover the vintage form he showed on Friday.
“I was super nervous … you always doubt yourself at some point, there is a lot of criticism and self-doubt,” he said, when asked if he feared he’d never get back to the form that saw him claim four-straight All Australian blazers.
“It is crazy how life-altering moments can change the trajectory of life. It’s pretty amazing in that sense, and the universe and all that sort of stuff. I won’t get too spiritual on you.
“It’s part of my identity and part of my journey.”
Petracca was unstoppable around the contest and his delivery inside 50 – a common knock on his game – particularly to emerging star Bailey Humphrey (four goals) was pinpoint.
No.2 draft pick Zeke Uwland, still just 18, was lively and composed in his debut.
Hardwick admitted it was the 30-year-old Petracca who needed reassurance.
“He was more nervous than Zeke,” Hardwick said.
“That’s what makes him great. As soon as you lose that as a player is the moment you step away from the game.
“What we just reminded him before the game is there is a reason we got you here, you’re a great player.
“The goals are great but the four score assists, the ability to drive legs through traffic, massive hard-ball gets in the middle part of the ground.
“We want him to win those big moments … and he delivered.”
Victory came without reigning Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell, while key defender Charlie Ballard made a successful return from a long-term knee injury in a practice match earlier on Friday.
Western Bulldogs recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who didn’t play at all last season due to off-field issues, impressed in that contest too.
“When he is ready to go, we’re going to unleash him,” Hardwick said of the former No.1 pick.
“He’s had a rocky road. We’re sitting there prepared to give him a chance, but we also want to make sure when he’s right to go, he’s right to go.”
AAP