Friends off the field but enemies on it. It’s a dilemma many players face when they come face-to-face with a former teammate. But when it’s someone of the calibre, character and standing of North legend Drew Petrie, it can’t be underestimated.
Here’s how our players are preparing to face the Kangaroo-cum-Eagle.
Robbie Tarrant
“I’m rapt for him, it’s really good that he gets an opportunity. He’s done so much for most of the blokes at this club so it’ll be great to see him out there. Hopefully he stays off my shoulders, it’s going to be interesting.”
Jarrad Waite
“It should be exciting. I’m sure the defenders will have a fair bit to say to him. I might use him for a stepladder or something like that. There’ll be a bit of banter but it’ll be good.”
Jack Ziebell
“It’ll be weird. Obviously Drewy’s been at our footy club for a long period of time. We wish him all the best, but obviously not too much luck for the weekend.”
Ben Brown
“He’s a champion of our club and I have a massive amount of respect for him. It’ll be interesting coming up against him but once we’re out on the field, it’ll be all competition.”
Sam Gibson
“It’ll be a bit weird, probably weirder for him than for us. He’s a bloke I have a lot of respect for and I’ve played a lot of footy with. It’ll be tough but once we cross the right line he’s just an opposition player.”
Scott Thompson
“He’s a club legend, played over 300 games here. We know how we plays a little bit but obviously there’s a new game plan. It’ll be good to see him but hopefully I don’t see him too much.”
Andrew Swallow
“It’ll be a bit strange. I had 11 years with him running around and he’s a good mate. It’ll be something that’ll be a bit weird for the first time but good to see him get another opportunity.”
Shaun Higgins
“We’re all looking forward to it. He prepares himself better than anyone, he’ll probably be a bit toey and we’re looking forward to crossing paths with him this weekend.”
Todd Goldstein
“It’s going to be weird for the first contest but I think it’s one of those things with so many players moving around these days, it’s something you’re going to get used to. Once the ball is bounced, it’s going to be business as usual and he’s just another West Coast player.”
Shaun Atley
“It’ll definitely be interesting. He’s a quality person and I’m sure he’ll be fired up. It’ll be a good chance to test ourselves against them. I know he gets fired up when blokes come back in his way so I’m expecting nothing less from Drewy.”
