Melbourne Demons AFL star, Christian Petracca, will be a special guest at Adelaide Central Market, when he is in Adelaide for AFL Gather Round, with a live cooking demonstration this Friday (April 5).

The 2021 premiership winner and Norm Smith Medallist is a fan favourite for his cooking on social media, where he frequently shares recipes inspired by his Italian upbringing and fitness regime.

With more than 375,000 followers on his @on.trac5 Instagram account, Christian is excited to show off his cooking skills to the Adelaide public.

“I can’t wait to head to Adelaide for Gather Round,” says Christian. “There’s so much happening across the city which is just a stone’s throw away from Adelaide Oval, and the atmosphere is really buzzing. I’m excited to demonstrate my love of cooking to the locals at the iconic Adelaide Central Market and share my tips and tricks in the kitchen!”

The demonstration will be hosted by Tasting Australia’s Mandy Hall, where Christian will share his simple recipe for a classic and popular dish – spaghetti and meatballs.

Adelaide Central Market Authority General Manager, Fabienne Reilly, says a large crowd is expected for the one-off experience.

“Cooking demonstrations are loved by our shoppers and add to the unique experience they can expect when visiting our Market. We look forward to welcoming Christian Petracca and all the travelling footy fans to one of the best fresh produce markets in the world,” said Ms Reilly. “Our 70+ traders are preparing for the influx of visitors to the City of Adelaide and are stocking their shelves with footy essentials and outstanding local produce.”

The demonstration will show Christian’s personal side, discussing his upbringing in an Italian household where cooking and learning to make rich sauces from his mother and Nonna was a cherished tradition. The recipe of choice during the demonstration follows his love for comforting Italian classics, which also include
cotolette and seafood linguini.

Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) General Manager, Greg Ratsch, says Christian’s cooking demonstration adds to what is a bumper weekend
across Adelaide’s CBD.

“Gather Round is set to take over Adelaide, including the world-famous Adelaide Central Market,” says Mr Ratsch. “It’s a great complement to the Official Rundle Mall Gather Round Live Site, Game Day at Home Ground, Home Base: Footy at Gilbert Place, and of course the Macca’s Footy Festival at Elder Park.”

Christian Petracca’s cooking demonstration is on Friday, 5 April at 3pm.

AFL Gather Round is 4 – 7 April 2024.