Gold Coast recruit Christian Petracca reveals surprise Sun he can’t wait to play with

Gold Coast sensation Bailey Humphrey reminds Christian Petracca of a younger version of himself - and he can’t wait to see how they can play together.

Star Suns recruit and former Melbourne gun Petracca has already been on the phone with his talented new teammate after sealing a trade north this week.

Gold Coast shut down any chance of Humphrey, 21, being traded, despite the forward-midfielder meeting with various Melbourne clubs.

Few people would be happier about that than fellow forward-midfielder Petracca, who called Humphrey this week.

“I’m incredibly excited to work with someone like him,” Petracca said.

“He reminds me of myself when I was at that age. Raw, but he came fourth in the best and fairest too, so basically a breakout year - which is pretty scary considering how many more levels he can go to.

“We had a phone call the other day about his role and how excited I am to just play with him and learn actually off him about that role and how explosive he is.

“... We’ve actually been in contact for three or four years now.

“I think because from his draft year, when I saw the highlights of him, he reminded me of myself a little bit and just how raw he is, and explosive.”

Petracca, who agitated for a move last year in the months after his life-threatening injuries in the King’s Birthday clash, was cagey on his reasons for wanting to leave Melbourne.

He told new coach Steven King he wanted a fresh start after 212 games at the Demons and insisted his move was all about football - believing he can get back to his best.

“Footy was always the number one priority of my decision,” he said.

“I love my job, I’m passionate about my football. I know I can go to another level with my football.”

The 2021 Norm Smith Medallist expects to keep up a forward-midfield role at Gold Coast and indicated coach Damien Hardwick was a major influence

“From the moment I walked in here, everyone’s made me feel really valued and respected,” he said.

Petracca, 29, is also excited to play alongside skipper Noah Anderson, Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell and former junior teammate Touk Miller in midfield off the back of Gold Coast’s first finals appearance and win.

“Every year you see the Suns getting better and better - and I want to be part of something special,” he said.

Petracca is also happy to play a role in helping former Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who was thrown a career lifeline by Gold Coast.

“For sure, no doubt about it. He’s part of the Suns family,” Petracca said.

“... I’m truly looking forward to meeting him and all the other guys too. I’ve been in bit of contact with him at the moment, which is good.

“So no doubt, day one of pre-season, we’ll catch up, have dinner together and have a yarn.”