North Melbourne legend Drew Petrie will return where it all began on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, as he prepares to once again pull on the red and white of the Ballarat Football Netball Club.

After being drafted in 2000, the champion big-man enjoyed an AFL career of 332 games with North Melbourne and the West Coast Eagles, (316 for North) and 444 goals (428 for North), ranking second for games played, and sixth for goals kicked for North. 

Despite his success, the 2011 All-Australian hasn’t forgotten his roots, and has kept in contact and involvement with his junior club throughout his career.

The opportunity to play again for the Ballarat Football Netball Club was one that Petrie couldn’t let slip.

“When the opportunity presented to represent the Ballarat Football Netball Club again, I jumped at it,” Petrie said. 

“My enjoyment of our great game started because of my time with the Ballarat Swans. 

“I still have fond memories of doing the senior scoreboard after playing junior footy in the morning, in the driving Ballarat rain.

“My family will all be in attendance and I’m really looking forward to pulling on the red and white jumper again.” 

Petrie will take to the field at the Alfredton Recreation Reserve on Saturday, June 9 from 2:15pm.

Local fans are encouraged to get down and enjoy what will no doubt be a great day.