From footy field to foodtok: The surprise NRL and AFL players cooking up a side hustle
A growing number of professional football players are sharing their skills in the kitchen on social media platforms, and finding a new demographic of fans and followers.
Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Move over chefs, the new foodtokers are coming from the footy field!
A growing number of professional football players are sharing their skills in the kitchen on their social media platforms and they’ve found themself a new demographic of followers.
Melbourne Football Club AFL Player Christian Petracca’s cooking Instagram On.Trac has more than 450 000 followers (he has close to 1 million on all platforms) and led to him securing a book deal.
Coming from an Italian upbringing, cooking has always been part of his life but decided to start sharing his healthy recipes to help make cooking a little easier for people.
“I honestly never expected sharing cooking videos would attract this kind of following. I feel really lucky that it did though, sharing my recipes has been a lot of fun, and I’m grateful for the chance to connect with so many people.”
The account was meant to show a different side of him away from the field, but now many of his foodie fans don’t even realise he’s an AFL player.
“Cooking has definitely introduced me to a broader audience, and I love that I can share both my passions — footy and food — with so many people.”
Such is his success, it’s led to partnerships with brands like Ninja. However while his passion has now become a fully fledged career, the 28-year-old said footy is the first priority.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. But ultimately, footy is my number one priority, and it always comes first. I make sure to manage my time so I can give my best on the field while still enjoying my cooking,” he said.
Dolphins NRL player Jack Bostock has also started a cooking account on TikTok. The 2024 Dally M Rookie of the Year winner has close to 10 000 followers on his account @bossyscookbook.
He’s shared recipes for koftas, wagyu tomahawks, linguine marinara, slow cooked lamb curry, coconut cake and his Thai green curry has had over 140k views.
Bostock also replies to fans on the site, sharing his cooking tips.
Former Rugby Union and Rugby League great Sonny Bill Williams has also found new fans in sharing restaurant reviews to his social media. Williams and his wife Alana have a series “Let’s Eat” where they review venues around the city from Smoking Gringos at Blacktown, Le Wrap in Belmore and Volcanoes in Wetherill Park.
It follows an array of former NRL players who have turned their food and drinks passion into a career post playing.
Mark “Spudd” Carroll has launched his own beer, Spudd Wiser. While the Morris brothers, Josh and Brett, have Cattleman’s Larger.
More Coverage
Originally published as From footy field to foodtok: The surprise NRL and AFL players cooking up a side hustle
The List Manager: How Dees rise from ashes of out-and-out-crisis
It’s been one crisis after another at Melbourne the past 12 months. Board disputes, unhappy players, trade rumours. Jon Ralph writes, there’s a path for them to rise and contend again.
Oliver makes pre-season statement after failed trade drama
Clayton Oliver has returned almost two weeks early for pre-season as he aims to put a “stinker” behind him and reclaim his mantle as one of the AFL’s premier midfielders.