Patersons Stadium
Sunday September 9, 1.15pm WST/3.15pm EST
Drew Petrie says his team-mates are ‘absolutely pumped’ at the thought of playing in the finals and are excited to travel to Perth.
Speaking on Channel 9, the vice-captain said the team will head over earlier than usual before taking on the Eagles on Sunday.
"Earlier in the year when we played West Coast over there we went one day before, but this time we’re going to go two days before," Petrie said.
"We’re going to head over Friday afternoon, just so we get there Friday night Perth time to have a snooze.
"And then we’ll train on Saturday and just have a usual Saturday preparation like we would in Melbourne."
North Melbourne has played West Coast twice this season, losing both encounters. But Petrie says it’s a different ball-game with finals.
"We’re absolutely pumped, can’t wait. Going to West Coast won’t be a problem because we’re just glad to be amongst September action this year.”
The Kangaroos haven’t been in the best form, but expect to have Lachlan Hansen available after he was substituted out of the Giants’ clash.
"I think he’ll be fine. He passed his concussion test in the rooms but didn’t feel quite right so the club decided to take him off.”
And the forward also leapt to the defence of coach Brad Scott who lashed out at GWS veteran James McDonald after he collided with Jamie Macmillan in the first term.
"It’s great that he’s standing up for his players. He’s passionate about the club and looking after his boys and I reckon it was great," he said.
