A great competitor and natural leader, Drew Petrie has emerged as one of the league’s elite big men and a vital cog down at Arden Street.  Versatile and an excellent mark, Drew was appointed vice captain for the 2009 season and finished second in the 2008 club best and fairest. 

Drew is into his fourth season as North Melbourne’s club delegate and is supported by Daniel Harris.

On my role models: As a youngster I really looked up to my parents and I’ve got no doubt they have had the biggest influence on my life so far. They taught me to be respectful and polite which I hope I am towards all those I meet.  Brent Harvey and Adam Simpson have been the two guys that I have and will continue to look up to. Their professional lifestyles and selfless attitudes are really impressive attributes and something I’m trying to implement into my football. I lived with Brent for two years and during this time Adam was my mentor at the club, which was great for my overall development on and off the field.  I recommend any young player seek out advice and guidance from the key senior players within their club.

On travel: I’ve been very lucky to have visited some great countries during my time away from the game including Thailand, China, USA, Mexico and Malaysia. I’d say my favourite holiday destination so far would have to be Cancun, Mexico in 2004. Really great beaches and culture. I got to see bullfighting and I never knew the bull always dies, which is pretty cruel and definitely a shock for someone not familiar with it. New York in 2008 was amazing. Best city I have ever experienced and I would go back tomorrow. The place is huge and it really does never sleep. Down the track I would love to visit Europe, but that will have to wait until my career finishes as I would love to spend a few months over there to ensure I can experience it all.

On the media: You can get sucked in by media hype especially when they are patting you on the back. You have to be careful as it can sometimes lure you into a false sense of reality and really you only need a coach’s honest opinion of your form and not that of a journalist. In saying that, the media are a very important stakeholder of the game. The amount of money they pump in is massive which keeps this great game as the most prominent sport in the country.

On living with teammates: I lived with fellow AFLPA representative Daniel Harris during my first 15 months at the club. He was great, a really funny guy and quick witted. It helped me settle into the club early as I did get pretty home sick and to have someone there going through the same situation was extremely helpful. Brent Harvey then took me in and I had two of the best years of my life. It was great living with a genuine champion of the game to see what was required to survive. He kicked me out as my room was to become a nursery for his first child Cooper.