But The Courier’s interest lies not only in the sporting achievement his longevity in the game represents but something simpler his time on the ground may not reveal; from all reports he is what is colloquially termed as a genuinely good bloke.  That in itself may seem like an ordinary enough quality but in the world of elite sport beleaguered with delusional prima-donnas and conceited dinosaurs; his qualities start to become rarer and rarer. Indeed unlike many AFL players (including some of the legends in his own team) where the only reason they make it into the news pages is for all the wrong reasons, we think this genuineness of character, his commitment to team and community is worth celebrating.  In a media world where the more grotesque sins of sporting legends are forgotten in six months as prowess outshines decency, it is a pity that these more humble qualities are not more celebrated. Coupled to the inevitable attention a sporting star attracts these are really the qualities of a great role model.

One story of interest that exemplifies Drew Petrie’s behaviour; even when he was first drafted to play AFL football, normally most young players dream, he returned to the McDonalds where he worked as a youth concerned that he would be letting the team down at the Sturt Street takeaway. Nor in the years of success since has he forgotten these humble beginnings and has continued to volunteer for Ronald McDonald House. Similar stories of generosity and a down to earth perspective have emanated from those who knew him at St Pats. 

Nor should it be forgotten how willing he was to be at the forefront of high profile players keen to get AFL football  to Ballarat and be a face to leverage the necessary support from government to make an upgraded Eureka Stadium one of the best footy grounds outside Melbourne. For all this Ballarat should be proud of one of its most outstanding sons.