AFL legend Nic Naitanui has revealed the crucial 'Plan B' that all players need to secure their future beyond football. The West Coast Eagles icon, who spent 15 seasons with the club and was recently inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame, has transitioned into a new career as co-founder of ALTR, an Australian-made functional, sugar-free, and natural soda brand.
From footy to fizzy drinks
Naitanui, alongside former teammate Jack Redden and Darcy Wilkosz, launched ALTR to tap into the rapidly growing functional soda and non-alcoholic drinks market in Australia. The former ruckman admits he never predicted this career move but quickly developed a passion for creating healthy sodas that everyone can enjoy.
"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
Since retiring in 2023, Naitanui has hardly rested. He credits his time in the AFL for instilling strong wellness habits, including access to physios, doctors, ice baths, and recovery centres. Now in a coaching role with the Eagles, he has regained access to these state-of-the-art facilities.
Balancing travel between the West Coast and East Coast, along with caring for two toddlers, has made quality sleep a top priority. "I think sleep is probably the one that I'd hold in the highest regard. If you nail that and get that right, it just sets you up well for the day," he said.
Navigating life after footy
Naitanui emphasises the importance of having a balance away from sport. He recalls his former 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."
The Hall of Fame inductee believes it's crucial to find something that challenges you outside your 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, and I wanted to be a part of something I had no idea about, and I wanted to learn and challenge myself," he said.
Inspiring the next generation
Despite his own success, Naitanui still looks up to sports legends from the early 90s who maintained their bodies without modern resources. "I look at how they maintain their body, how they go about their everyday life, whether they're doing some sort of movement or Pilates and surfing in the afternoon," he said.
"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."
With two young children with partner Brittany Bown, Naitanui is staying busy both on and off the field, proving that life after footy can be just as fulfilling.
