Few AFL careers blend raw athleticism, cultural pride, and a post-retirement pivot into the beverage aisle quite like Nic Naitanui’s. The West Coast Eagles ruckman retired in 2023 after 213 games, then turned down a coaching role to become a director of a functional soda company.
Born: 4 May 1990 ·
Height: 201 cm ·
Weight: 110 kg ·
Games played: 213 ·
Draft: Pick 2, 2008 AFL Draft ·
Retired: 2023
Quick snapshot
- Retired in 2023 after 15 seasons with West Coast (WAtoday news outlet)
- Played 213 games, kicked 112 goals (StatsCrew AFL stats archive)
- Two-time All-Australian (WAtoday news outlet)
- Exact net worth
- Number of children (if any)
- Current relationship status
- 2008: Drafted pick 2 by West Coast
- 2023: Retired
- 2024: Became director at ALTR soda
- Building ALTR functional soda brand
- Community work in Perth
- Potential media or ambassador roles
Seven biographical facts that define Nic Naitanui’s career and life:
| Full name | Nicholas Naitanui |
| Date of birth | 4 May 1990 |
| Height | 201 cm |
| Weight | 110 kg |
| AFL games | 213 |
| Draft | 2008, pick 2 |
| Retired | 2023 |
What happened to Nic Naitanui?
Why did Nic Naitanui retire?
Naitanui announced his retirement in August 2023, citing the physical toll of 15 seasons as a ruckman (WAtoday news outlet). He played his final match in 2022 — his last listed season shows 8 games, 230 hit-outs, and 2 goals (StatsCrew AFL stats archive). He was a West Coast Eagle for his entire career (West Coast Eagles official player page).
How many games did Nic Naitanui play?
He played 213 AFL games, all for West Coast, from 2009 to 2022 (StatsCrew AFL stats archive). His 2023 season lists 0 games, consistent with retirement (Ultimate Footy fantasy AFL data).
Did Nic Naitanui win a Brownlow?
No — he did not win a Brownlow Medal, though he was a multiple All-Australian and widely considered one of the most dynamic ruckmen of his era.
What does Nic Naitanui do now?
Where does Nick Naitanui live?
He lives in Perth, Australia, where he is a director at ALTR, a functional soda company. He described himself on LinkedIn as a “Fijian kid on that 9to5 coconut grind,” reflecting his heritage and post-career work ethic. In 2025, he reportedly turned down a part-time ruck coach role at West Coast to focus on outside business interests (The West Australian newspaper).
He also engages in charity and community projects, particularly those supporting Pacific Islander youth.
Naitanui’s choice to prioritise a startup over a traditional coaching pathway signals a shift in how elite athletes view post-retirement identity. For Pacific Islander communities, his visibility as a Fijian-Australian business leader adds weight to representation beyond sport.
How tall is Nic Naitanui?
How old is Nic Naitanui?
Height: 201 cm (6’7″), weight: 110 kg. Born 4 May 1990, he is 34 years old as of 2024 (West Coast Eagles official player page).
The implication: at this size and age, his physical prime as a ruckman is behind him, but his business career is just starting.
What ethnicity is Nic Naitanui?
Naitanui is of Fijian descent — both his parents are from Fiji (West Coast Eagles official player page). He holds Australian nationality and was born in Sydney. His heritage has been a notable part of his identity, frequently referenced in his public persona and community work.
His Fijian background sets him apart in a league dominated by players of European and Indigenous heritage, making his post-career visibility as a business leader notable for representation.
When was Nic Naitanui drafted?
He was drafted with pick 2 in the 2008 AFL Draft by West Coast Eagles (West Coast Eagles official player page). He made his debut in 2009 and was considered a highly touted junior prospect.
The catch: pick 2 came with high expectations, and his career delivered on that promise through athleticism and impact, even if individual awards like the Brownlow eluded him.
Timeline of Nic Naitanui’s career
- 2008: Drafted by West Coast Eagles with pick 2
- 2009: AFL debut
- 2012: First All-Australian selection
- 2015: Played full 23 games; grand final loss to Hawthorn (The West Australian newspaper)
- 2021: Career-best 53 hit-outs and 11 clearances in a season (West Coast Eagles season review)
- 2023: Announces retirement after 15 seasons
- 2024: Becomes director of ALTR functional soda
Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 4 May 1990
- Height 201 cm, weight 110 kg
- Played 213 AFL games
- Retired in 2023
- Drafted pick 2 in 2008
- Fijian descent
- Director at ALTR
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Number of children (if any)
- Current relationship status
- Specific contract details with ALTR
What people are saying
“Fijian kid on that 9to5 coconut grind.”
— Nic Naitanui, LinkedIn bio
“Nic Naitanui has been an integral part of the West Coast Eagles for 15 years. His impact on and off the field has been immense.”
— West Coast Eagles official retirement statement
Summary
Nic Naitanui’s journey from a teenage draft pick to a 213-game AFL star and now a soda entrepreneur is a rare combination of elite athleticism and business ambition. For young Pacific Islander athletes in Australia, the implication is clear: life after footy can mean building something entirely new, rather than staying in the club system. Naitanui now demonstrates that a post-AFL identity can be built outside the club system.
en.wikipedia.org, ozfootball.com, fanfooty.com.au, footyinfo.com, footywire.com, footywire.com
Frequently asked questions
Does Nic Naitanui have kids?
His number of children is not publicly confirmed.
What is Nic Naitanui’s net worth?
Exact net worth is unknown; he earned a high salary as an AFL player and now has a business role.
Who is Nic Naitanui’s wife?
His current relationship status is private.
What is Nic Naitanui’s nationality?
He is Australian, of Fijian descent.
How many goals did Nic Naitanui kick?
112 career goals (StatsCrew).
What is Nic Naitanui’s shoe size?
Not publicly documented.
Is Nic Naitanui in the AFL Hall of Fame?
Not as of 2025; he may be eligible in future.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Reef Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.