MPNFL 2018: Drew Petrie powers Pearcedale to stirring win over Devon Meadows

DREW Petrie asked to play in the ruck in the last quarter to ensure his one-off appearance for Pearcedale ended in a victory over Devon Meadows on Saturday.

MPNFL Div 2: Pearcedale v Devon Meadows. Former North Melbourne and West Coast Eagles star Drew Petrie who is making a cameo appearance for Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DREW Petrie asked to play in the ruck in the last quarter to ensure his one-off appearance for Pearcedale ended in a victory over Devon Meadows on Saturday.

And it did, the former North Melbourne and West Coast Eagles star shining brightly as the Dales held on to win 10.8 (68) to 9.6 (60) in front of a massive crowd at Tractor Park.

With the game in the balance, Petrie approached Pearcedale coach Leigh Stewart at the three-quarter time break.

The Dales were leading by 17 points but Devon Meadows had just kicked a couple of goals and was coming.

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“At three-quarter time he asked me if he could play in the ruck just to make sure that we got over the line,’’ Stewart said.

“It’s an awesome attitude. He didn’t have to do that … and then he grabbed a few of the midfielders and the younger players and gave them some pointers. I think he enjoyed himself and the boys did too.’’

Drew Petrie has a shot at goal during his cameo for Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Petrie, wearing a crisp, new No 20 jumper, started at full-forward and booted an early goal. Moving well, the man who played 332 AFL games got on well with his new teammates and shepherded another goal through as Pearcedale jumped to the front. But his influence late in the game was significant.

Former North Melbourne and West Coast star Drew Petrie pulls down a mark for Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

Stewart said Petrie’s presence seemed to lift Pearcedale’s young players.

“Whether having a senior, ex-AFL champion on their team perked them up a bit but some of the kids played really well. And really, it was them in the end that got us over the line,’’ Stewart said.

Luke Dalmau, in his first game in a month, was terrific on the ball, kicking three goals, while teenage defender Zane Hill did well on ex-Saint Allan Murray. David Hussey, Trav Bravo, Zach Campbell, Sam Frawley and Damien Scully were other Dales to impress.

Petrie was a hit with the locals, staying on in the Pearcedale rooms late into the night.

“He hung around, was having a chat to everyone,’’ Stewart said.

“His mum and dad came down from Ballarat to watch him play. His old man came over to me after the game and said, ‘thanks for asking him to play’. I said, ‘it was good for us to have him’.’’

A big crowd turned out to watch Drew Petrie’s cameo for Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

Elsewhere, Langwarrin gave its finals hopes a massive boost with a stirring win over second-placed Karingal, 12.17 (89) to 11.5 (71), at Lloyd Park.

The Kangaroos have won three in a row to move within half a game of fifth spot.

Langy led throughout as Shane Paterson, Blake McCormack, Zach Andrewartha, Gerard Brown and Michael Parker ran rampant. Karingal made a late rally, but fell short, despite the efforts of the Matt Stanley (five goals) and Nathan Villella (two).

Rye upset Hastings 13.9 (87) to 9.17 (71) on the back of an outstanding display by Adam Kirkwood (four goals).

Kirkwood slotted two early goals as the Demons rushed to a 51-9 lead at quarter-time. Matt Hill, Tyrren Head, Zallec White, Jye Lloyd and Oscar Whitty also played starring roles.

Tyabb dug deep to beat Crib Point 8.16 (64) to 6.11 (470 and bank its third win. Paul Ransom was superb for the Yabbies, well supported by Ethan Rahilly, Jake Anderson and Aaron Turner. For Cribby, Nick Rutherford and Sam Kilduff tried hard.

Dromana took its record to 11-1 with a fast-finishing 15.17 (107) to 8.6 (54) win over Somerville. The Tigers were goalless in the opening quarter but hit their straps, kicking 11 goals to four after halftime. Sam Fowler, back from the Dolphins, fired off five goals and Ethan Johnstone four, while Sam Geurts and Dane Leyden-Kozikas starred.

Red Hill turned the tables on fellow flag contender Chelsea, logging a 12.6 (78) to 6.5 (41) result to make it five wins on the spin.

Chris Irving slotted four goals for the Hillmen, who were well served by Harry Wynn-Pope, Ben Hughes, Tom McEncroe and Lachlan Chandler.