AFL legend Nic Naitanui has opened up about the unexpected career move that has defined his life after football and transformed his daily routine. The West Coast Eagles icon, who played 15 seasons with the club and was recently inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame, is widely regarded as one of the AFL's greatest ruckmen. Since retiring in 2023, Naitanui has co-founded ALTR, an Australian-made functional, sugar-free, and natural soda brand, alongside former teammate Jack Redden and Darcy Wilkosz.
A surprising career pivot
Naitanui admits that he never predicted this shift into the beverage industry. However, with the functional soda and non-alcoholic drinks market growing rapidly in Australia, he quickly developed a passion for creating a range of healthy sodas suitable for 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 AFL days
Beyond his soda venture, Naitanui maintains several wellness habits learned during his AFL career. "We've been pretty privileged to have full-time physios, doctors, ice baths, recovery centres, and wellness places for a good part of 15 to 20 years," he said. His recent transition into a coaching role with the Eagles has restored his access to state-of-the-art facilities. With demanding travel schedules and two young children, Naitanui prioritizes quality sleep. "I've got two young kids now, and trying to navigate their sleep and my own sleep is a task in itself. 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."
Advice for life after footy
Having enjoyed a long career in the AFL, Naitanui emphasizes the importance of diversifying skills and maintaining a balance away from sport. He recalls his early coach John Worsfold, a pharmacist by profession, who required players to show what they were doing outside of football every couple of Wednesdays. "He always spoke about Plan B," Naitanui said. "My advice is to always have a balance away from sport. 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 with the transition from professional sport, Naitanui stresses the need to find something challenging outside one's comfort zone. "That's sort of why the drink space appealed to me because it's not natural, and most past players go and start a clothing line or do something along those lines. I wanted to be a part of something I had no idea about, to learn and challenge myself."
Inspired by sports legends
Despite inspiring a generation of young players, Naitanui still looks up to the sports legends who motivated him growing up. "I look at a lot of the guys that played sport in the early 90s and didn't have the resources we had. I look at how they maintain their body, how they go about their everyday life, whether it's movement, Pilates, or surfing in the afternoon. It's not just eating and drinking healthy food and exercise; it's also the mental stuff that plays a big role."
