MATCH WINNER
"A player whose skill enables his or her team to win matches."
People outside of North Melbourne seem to focus on the inconsistency of Drew Petrie later in his career, however, everyone at North Melbourne (and anyone who was well educated) knew how important every element of his game was - week in, week out.
Drew Petrie's abilities went well beyond kicking big bags in front of goal: his contestant marking was outstanding, his tackling was superb, he would draw multiple defenders into a contest just to give another man the opportunity to score in front of goal, he could be thrown down back late in the game or into the ruck to mix things up a little. A true team player, and a real star.
But what made Drew Petrie so special, is he was a match winner. There are plenty of good players in the AFL, who play consistently week in and week out, and who do great things, but they just don't have a big influence - their solo efforts aren't enough to inspire a team to victory, or better yet, grab the victory with their two bare hands. But you see, this is Drew Petrie's best asset, what makes him such a brilliant footballer, and what lead North Melbourne to some memorable victories.
I love Drew Petrie. I will always love Drew Petrie.
He will always be remembered as a North Melbourne great, and rightly so.
He was our match winner.
The Tiger Trifecta
It seems as though our Drew thoroughly enjoyed his encounters against the Tiges, where he stared on multiple occasions. Bags of 4, 6 and 7 goals were just the cherry on a very rich cake, as Petrie stood out in marking contests, tackling pressure and just pure brilliance.
Elimination Final v Richmond 2015
Drew made a habit of playing little cameo roles during North's finals campaigns later in his career. His performance against the Tigers in 2015 was no exception. Drew had a big influence in the third quarter - a mark and goal with two and a half minutes left of play to put North 3 points up. A second goal came thirty seconds later that took the margin out to nine points. In a game that had Richmond up by 21 points twice, Petrie's two goals couldn't have been more timely. The Roos went on to win the game, and onto the second week of the finals.
Round 12 v Richmond, 2014
I remember this game so clearly, as it was easily one of the best I've ever been to. A Sunday night at Etihad Stadium, fans were treated to a cracking game on the Queen's Birthday long weekend. It was a game of two halves. Richmond took a six goal lead into half time, and North ran out 28 point winners. At half time, Rex Hunt called on Petrie to fire up, and give the Roos some inspiration. If anyone would do it, it would be Drew... and he did. Big marks and crashing packs, along with four goals (three which came in the third quarter comeback), he was everywhere that night and North recorded a big win.
Round 17 v Richmond, 2012
The second half of 2012 was certainly one to remember. Ten victories from 12 games, and North made their way into the finals for the first time since 2008 and the first time under coach Brad Scott. There were some good wins and good contests during that time period, but none came as exciting and as brilliant as the round 17 clash with Richmond. In a tight contest all day, the game was ultimately won by Petrie. Inspiring North in the final quarter, he completed dominated play and kicked five goals in the final term and led his team to the four point win. Undoubtably the pioneer in the heart stopping victory.
The Battle of Brian Lake: Round 16, 2014
It will forever be the night remembered for Brian Lake's "choker hold" on Petrie which resulted in a four week suspension, however it was a huge night for North Melbourne. A 20 point victory against the reigning premiers saw the Roos continue their stellar season, and take it to yet another new height. Petrie, once again, had a monster influence. He kicked five goals, crunched some brilliant tackles and took a screamer at the back of the pack, proving his match winning abilities once again.
Glenn Archer's 300th: Round 13, 2007
SIX goals in the opening quarter against the Bulldogs, and seven the match. It's a performance many still talk about a decade on. North Melbourne had a rather successful 2007 - the only season since Dennis Pagan they managed to finish the home and away season in the top 4. Drew did everything - he was crashing packs, taking strong marks and made Glenn Archer's 300th one to remember (although everyone will remember it for Drew's individual brilliance). Amazingly, Petrie had been held goalless for the previous month, perhaps making his efforts extra remarkable. Despite the solo efforts, he only walked away with 2 Brownlow votes... Boomer was granted the 3.
Note: From my research, I believe the record is 8 goals kicked by an individual in one quarter.
The Match Winner: Elimination Final v Essendon, 2014
What more do you even say about this game, and these goals that hasn't already been said. I wasn't old enough to attend the 96' and 99' Grand Finals and that's why this is the best game of football I've ever been to. That feeling of euphoria that I felt on the final siren is something I haven't forgotten, and I still get chills watching the replay.
"They don't remember what you did in the first three quarters and 25 minutes.. they remember what you did in the last five"
Drew Petrie's two goals won that game for North Melbourne. Frank the tank with five minutes to play and the sealer followed 30 seconds later. The thing is, if anyone was going to win the game for us, and inspire the victory - it was always going to be Drew Petrie. While Ben Brown sparked the comeback, and Daniel Wells on fire through the midfield, it was always going to be Drew Petrie, the match winner. Whenever you think about, or talk about this game, those goals are always the first that come to mind.
I have always been a Drew Petrie fan, even in his slight decline later in his career at North. But sitting here and writing this now, it really makes me appreciate who he was (and still can be) as a player. His abilities to influence a game came in all different shapes and sizes, and he was an inspiring figure for years at the club. While he has moved West, and is looking to the next stage of his AFL career, he'll go down in history as a North Melbourne great, and our match winner.
