Christian Petracca is set to become a father for the first time, as he and his wife Bella announced they're expecting a baby boy.
The AFL superstar shared the news on social media, posting a photo of their baby's sonogram.
## What happened?
Petracca and his wife made the announcement via a joint update on Instagram, with the post reading "Baby boy on the way".
The couple's news has been met with congratulations from the AFL community, including players like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Steven May.
## Why it matters for Christian Petracca
The upcoming arrival of his first child comes after a challenging period for Petracca, who spent much of the 2024 AFL season recovering from a serious injury.
Petracca suffered a lacerated spleen, four broken ribs, and a punctured lung during a match against Collingwood in 2024.
## What comes next?
The couple's baby boy is expected to arrive soon, with Petracca and his wife preparing for their new role as parents.
Petracca has found a new home at the Gold Coast Suns, after moving from the Melbourne Demons.
He proposed to his wife at Italy's famous Lake Como in 2022, and they tied the knot in December 2024.
The footy veteran has been thriving on and off the field, with his personal life and career continuing to flourish.
Petracca's move to the Gold Coast Suns has paid dividends, with the team performing well in recent matches.
As the AFL season continues, Petracca will look to balance his football career with his new role as a father.
The AFL community will be keeping a close eye on Petracca's journey, both on and off the field.
Petracca's wife Bella has been a constant source of support for the AFL superstar, and the couple is excited to start their new family.
The baby boy's arrival will be a welcome addition to the Petracca family, and the AFL community will be eager to meet the new arrival.