The 269-game star, who had become the face of the Kangaroos’ alignment with Ballarat, told The Courier he was disappointed the club would lose its long-standing connection with his hometown.

The Kangaroos’ ties with Ballarat were cut by the AFL in favour of the Western Bulldogs, which Petrie said hurt both as a North Melbourne player and a Ballarat export.

No longer will North Melbourne hold its community camps in the city and, for the first time in more than six years, will not play a pre-season game in Ballarat next year.

“We felt like we were building a real friendship with Ballarat. It wasn’t like it was just a town we would visit every now and then,” Petrie said.

“The people of Ballarat had become familiar with North Melbourne and our players. It’s disappointing we won’t be coming again, at least for next year.”

Petrie said playing in front of his home crowd for three NAB Challenge/NAB Cup games, plus a handful of practice and intra-club matches, had always been a big thrill for him.

Instead, the Kangaroos will play pre-season matches in Port Lincoln, Shepparton and Melbourne in 2015.

“To represent North Melbourne in Ballarat was always a big thrill for me,” the former Ballarat Swan and North Ballarat Rebel said.

Former premier John Brumby joined forces with North Melbourne in 2010 when he announced a proposed redevelopment of Eureka Stadium, but that plan was abandoned when Labor lost the election. 

The Kangaroos had looked at playing four games annually at a redeveloped Eureka Stadium.

“To imagine playing in front of 20,000 people in Ballarat, it would have been amazing,” Petrie said.

“It’s surprising (to see North Melbourne forced to make way for the Western Bulldogs) but I understand AFL is a business and these sort of things often happen.

“I’d still love to see AFL games played in Ballarat.

“It would have been great to be a part of it, but as long as it happens in the next couple of years, that would be great. It doesn’t matter who is playing.”