The Gold Coast SUNS have secured the services of four-time All Australian Christian Petracca, following a trade with Melbourne on the final day of the 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
The deal will see Petracca join the SUNS as part of a large-scale pick swap that allows the club to not only bring in the two-time best and fairest winner but hold picks in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft to align with our draft strategy.
Petracca has played 209 games for the Demons since being drafted with Pick 2 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, kicking 200 goals across 11 seasons, establishing himself as one of the premiere midfielders in the competition.
Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron said the club was thrilled to welcome the 2021 Norm Smith Medal winner to the Club.
“One of our goals throughout the trade period was to add high quality, experienced players to our evolving list and Christian is a player that we think can really compliment the group we have,” Cameron said.
“Christian will add to our midfield group and has the ability to go forward, attributes we feel are an important addition to our squad as we look to take the next step on-field in 2026.”
Petracca was prolific in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership success, equaling the record for most disposals in a Grand Final. The 29-year-old also won the Demons’ best & fairest twice in 2020 and 2023 and was named the club’s leading goalkicker in 2019.
The Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period concludes Wednesday evening.
Trade summary:
SUNS send: Selection 7, 8, 37, SUNS 2026 Future First Round Selection and 2027 Future Third Round Selection
SUNS receive: Christian Petracca, Selection 24, 28 and Melbourne 2026 Future Second Round Selection
