Drew Petrie savouring one last finals campaign at West Coast

DREW Petrie considers this season a “bonus” but in his 331st AFL game last week, the former Kangaroo experienced something new as he became part of West Coast finals folklore.

Drew Petrie celebrates West Coast’s win against North Melbourne in Round 1 with new Sam Mitchell and Nathan Vardy. Picture: George Salpigtidis

DON’T let anyone tell you there’s nothing new in football — not after last week.

Drew Petrie certainly won’t try after the veteran discovered a new type of joy in his 331st AFL game — 15th for West Coast — at Adelaide Oval last Saturday night.

Petrie wound back the clock against Port Adelaide in that instantly famous after-the-siren, extra-time elimination final win.

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In a performance that coach and former North Melbourne teammate Adam Simpson described as “exceptional”, Petrie kicked two goals, had 15 disposals, seven marks and 18 hitouts, working impressively in tandem with Nathan Vardy against All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder.

There was uncertainty about his future after walking out of Arden St last year, but Petrie said he knew he had good football left in him.

“I always knew I was capable of playing another season of footy otherwise I would not have come across to Perth,” said Petrie, who made his debut in 2001.

“I’m not surprised that I can still keep up ... I was convinced I still had more to offer.”

Drew Petrie (far right) celebrate’s West Coast’s extra-time win against Port Adelaide last week. Picture: AAP

The stunning victory over the Power helped erase the heartache of his finals farewell for North Melbourne in a 62-point elimination final thrashing at the hands of Adelaide last year.

Last week’s game was like no other, the 2011 All-Australian told the Herald Sun.

“I would have to say that was the best game I have played in, certainly the best final I have ever played in,” Petrie said.

“Just given that there was extra-time and a kick after the siren by Luke (Shuey) to win the game. Pairing that with other great finals wins that I’ve been a part of, I’ve got to say that was at the top of the list.”

But he’s not done yet.

In what Petrie describes as his “bonus” year, he knows how fortunate he is to get the chance to play finals one last time.

After enjoying the emotion and excitement of the win in Adelaide, Petrie and the Eagles quickly turned their attention to their assignment against Greater Western Sydney — but he is refusing to let his mind dream about what could happen beyond that if the Eagles’ run continues.

“If you start thinking too far ahead you will get caught out, I’ve learned that across my career,” Petrie said.

“That’s up for external people and supporters to dare to dream. But us as players, we are purely focused on the Giants this week.”

Petrie catches up with former Roos teammate Scott Thompson in Round 1. Picture: Getty Images

While he was always confident he had more to offer after walking out the door at North Melbourne, Petrie’s arrival at West Coast did not come without some apprehension.

The veteran big man remembers the nerves he felt when he walked into the Eagles for the first time last pre-season.

After 16 years in the AFL, he felt like he was a kid stepping into the schoolyard for the first time.

It was a strange feeling for a player with 316 senior games and 14 finals under his belt.

“I still remember walking in the first day, it’s almost like having your first day of school again,” Petrie recalled of his initiation at the Eagles.

“I was really nervous even though I’ve been around a while. I felt like I was very intimidated and that wasn’t driven by how I was treated, more the opposite.

“It’s just that I was a really nervous person going into a foreign environment.

“But the club embraced me and welcomed me in.”

A season on and it’s fair to say it has been a welcoming move for all involved.

Petrie has proved to be an enlightened recruiting move and more than handy acquisition for the Eagles, particularly in the absence of the injured Nic Naitanui.

He was initially unsure what his future held — or if he would ever play another AFL game — after learning late last season that he, along with fellow veterans Brent Harvey, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo, would not be offered another contract with the Kangaroos.

But Petrie has gone on to add another 15 games to his career tally this year.

Not only has he pushed into a 17th AFL season, the career time-on has morphed into one last finals fling that will extend to a semi-final showdown against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night.

Drew Petrie has enjoyed his year at West Coast. Picture: AAP

The season he didn’t expect to have has become the unlikely finals charge he is determined to help lead.

“I do think of this as a bonus year for sure,” Petrie, 34, who was initially rookie-listed by the Eagles, said.

“I feel really fortunate that the (Eagles) saw me as the type of player that might have been able to help out and contribute in the way that I have this year.

“It was something I never thought I would have done while I was on North Melbourne’s list.

“I never ever entertained the thought of leaving North Melbourne, so I feel by coming across here to West Coast I have done it in the best possible way in that North felt that there was no longer a position there for me.

“It was a nice way to be able to change clubs. It was certainly an amicable ending there and it was a nice opportunity to come over to Perth.

“This year’s been about business and about playing footy and helping West Coast win, but it’s also been about a learning experience and an adventure as well.

“My whole family, my wife and my three kids have come across and they are really enjoying the year.

“The footy is the business side of why I did it, but also there is an adventure and life experience in it, too, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

“I’m really glad we made the decision to come across.”

Petrie is mobbed by Eagles teammates after kicking a goal. Picture: Getty Images

The Eagles would have been equally delighted with Petrie’s adventurous streak in that win against Port Adelaide last week.

Such was Petrie’s impact against the Power, Simpson joked after the match he would “have to have a chat” to the veteran big man, one of three retiring Eagles alongside Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis, about potentially reversing his retirement decision.

But, as much as he is relishing his final fling, Petrie said Simpson shouldn’t bother.

“Death, taxes and me not playing football next year (are certainties),” Petrie said.

“Not a chance. I’m done. Maybe there’s a bit of extra energy in me at the moment — because I know this is it.”

Originally published as Drew Petrie savouring one last finals campaign at West Coast