AFL legend Nic Naitanui has opened up about the unexpected career move that has defined his post-football life, revealing a crucial 'Plan B' that all players need to consider. The West Coast Eagles icon, who played 15 seasons and was recently inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame, has co-founded ALTR, an Australian-made functional, sugar-free, and natural soda brand, alongside former teammate Jack Redden and Darcy Wilkosz.
From the Field to Functional Soda
Since retiring from the game in 2023, Naitanui has hardly taken a moment to rest. The functional soda and non-alcoholic drinks market is growing exponentially in Australia, and the Eagles legend says he quickly developed a passion for perfecting a range of good-for-you sodas that could be enjoyed by everyone. 'We're seeing that the decline in alcohol is real, and this Gen Z crew, they're happily partying and stuff without alcohol,' Naitanui told Body+Soul.
Wellness Habits from His AFL Days
Aside from cracking open a crisp can of his own soda to get through the 3 PM slump, Naitanui has a few go-to wellness habits that keep him feeling his best, most of which he picked up during his time in the AFL. 'We've been pretty privileged to have full-time physios, doctors and ice baths, recovery centres and wellness places for a good part of 15 to 20 years,' he says. His recent transition into a coaching role within the club has restored his access to such state-of-the-art facilities.
With his coaching role demanding a fair amount of travel, navigating the West Coast to East Coast time difference and the sleep schedule of two toddlers has Naitanui prioritising good quality sleep. 'I've got two young kids now, and trying to navigate their sleep and my own sleep is a task in itself,' he says. 'I think sleep is probably the one that I'd hold in the highest regard. If you nail that and get it right, it just sets you up well for the day.'
Navigating Life After Footy
Whether down to his talent and determination or a touch of luck, Naitanui enjoyed a long and fruitful career, playing 15 seasons on the field and now coaching West Coast's ruckmen. With the average career of today's players spanning only three to four years, Naitanui says diversifying skills and having a balance away from sport is essential. 'I was pretty privileged with my early days and my coach, John Worsfold. He was a pharmacist by profession and obviously was the captain at West Coast back in the day, and a very successful coach and player, but every couple of Wednesdays, you had to come in and check off a list showing him what you're doing outside of football,' recalls Naitanui. 'He always spoke about Plan B.'
Advice for Emerging Players
'My advice is to always have a balance away from sport,' reiterates Naitanui. 'You'd find some of the better players have a hobby outside, whether it's surfing, working, or having a trade.' Having witnessed fellow players struggle to transition beyond playing professionally, the Hall-of-Fame player says it's imperative to find something that challenges you outside of your comfort zone. 'That's sort of why the drink space sort of appealed to me because it's not natural, and most past players go and start a clothing line or do something along those lines, and I just wanted to be a part of something that I had no idea about, and I wanted to sort of learn and challenge myself.'
Inspiring a generation of young players, Naitanui says he still looks up to the sports legends who inspired him growing up. 'I look at a lot of the guys that played sport, not just football, cricketers and basketballers that played in the early 90s and didn't have the sort of resources that we had or what the current generation has.' He emphasises the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health. 'It's not just eating and drinking healthy food and exercise, it is also the mental stuff too that I think plays a big role.'
