LIKE most athletes, AFL players are creatures of habit. 

Along with regimented training schedules and personalised nutrition plans, many players have their own pre-game rituals which help them feel consistent and focussed on game day.

Speedy wingman Jared Polec absolutely must have a bowl of gnocchi the night before a game.

He told portadelaidefc.com.au he has the same takeaway gnocchi from the same restaurant for dinner, before every home game. In fact, he’s so tied up in the ritual that even at away games, the club orders in gnocchi to the hotel especially for him.

As for the type of gnocchi - he’s not too fussed as long as it’s good quality!

Dessert is a bag of lolly snakes (shhh - don’t tell Burgo).

It’s a superstition he’s kept since making the move from Brisbane Lions to the Power in 2014.

Stay tuned to portadelaidefc.com.au before each game for more strange player pre-game rituals!


Other player rituals

Robbie Gray’s pre-game rituals 


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