WHEN Drew Petrie handed in his letter of resignation to McDonald’s Sturt Street, he did so with a look of trepidation. McDonald’s owner-operator Laurie Nigro remembers the moment vividly and fondly – disappointed to lose a great employee, Mr Nigro knew Petrie was about to start an exciting new journey.
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Petrie had been drafted into the AFL by North Melbourne.
“He was a fabulous employee...mainly in service on the front counter. Drew certainly wasn’t shy of the public,” Mr Nigro said. “Anything high on the shelves, the girls would call on Drew to get it down – anyone else would have to use a ladder. He was certainly a presence in the store.”
Petrie has continued his association with the Golden Arches, volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, most recently as cook for the night, or for in-store appearances.
Former Rebels coach Greg Lamb said Petrie has always given back a lot to those who helped him early in his journey. When Mr Lamb recruited Petrie, he was just a skinny kid with potential to be a good player in the TAC Cup.
“When we first saw him it was a BFL grand final at City Oval and he was marking well up forward,” Mr Lamb said. “He came in as a 17-year-old worked really hard and by 18 took the competition by storm.”
Petrie checks in on Vic Country under-18 football training, which often takes place at the Kangaroos’ Arden Street base. He seeks out Rebels players and makes time to talk to each one.
Back in his hometown, Petrie regularly calls in to help at Ballarat Swans’ junior training any way he can. The Swans was where he made his start and where his brother Scott is a life member.
“When Drew’s back, he never asks for anything in return,” Swans president Darren Fraser said. “All our juniors are inspired by him. We always tell them he’s the guy who not long ago was running around in the same jumper as them.”
Petrie will be the first St Patrick’s College footballer to reach 300 VFL/AFL games. He still proudly keeps his Paddy’s jumper in his wardrobe back in Ballarat.
St Pat’s football coach Howard Clark said Petrie has always been generous with his time for awards nights or the school’s football camps in Melbourne.
“He is a great example of a good person and good behaviour on and off the field,” Mr Clark said. “Drew’s such a good role model for St Pat’s.”
