Christian Petracca dominates for Gold Coast Suns against Geelong Cats in his first game since his move from Melbourne Demons

“It’s always there,” Petracca said. “It was a life-changing moment for me. 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.”

Damien Hardwick admitted he was excited about what Petracca had shown on the field and praised him for the connection he has created with teammates after moving to the Gold Coast.

“His ability to win the ball forward of centre and use the ball forward of centre is the reason we brought him to the footy club,” Hardwick said.

Petracca is the highest-profile player to have joined the Suns since Hardwick was appointed coach in August 2023 and famously told reporters that “80 per cent of our first premiership side is sitting in this room right now”.

In the time since, the Suns have added Dan Rioli, John Noble, Leo Lombard, Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson, Jai Murray and Beau Addinsall, as well as the Bulldogs’ Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

They were also without Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell (who was injured) and the suspended Jed Walter, while Jake Rogers was playing VFL.

Ugle-Hagan will have to earn a spot in the team, with Hardwick emphasising the need to set the talented but wayward forward up for success after he stood out of football last season due to personal issues.

“When he is ready to go, we’re going to unleash him,” Hardwick said.

The coach admitted Ugle-Hagan wants to be playing AFL, but the three-time premiership coach is unafraid to resist pressure.

“He’s a driven individual, very competitive,” Hardwick said. “It is great for this lad to be playing, but it is also [going to be] great for the AFL world to see what this could become. We know he has got great talent, he 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.”

Meanwhile, Geelong coach Chris Scott said the Cats would not overreact to their performance, despite their disappointment.

“We probably need them to be a little bit off, and they were the opposite,” Scott said of the Suns. “We will be better for the run.”

The bright spot for the Cats was the form of Tanner Bruhn after he missed last season when he faced sexual assault charges, which were withdrawn in November when a key witness admitted in court to lying.

Bruhn collected 31 touches and provided plenty of run.

“He’s definitely going to be an asset for us. If anything, it is sort of galling that we didn’t have him [last year] as he is the sort of player we needed at times. That was really positive, and I am pleased for him,” Scott said.

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