DREW Petrie joins North Melbourne’s “250 Club” against Fremantle in Perth tomorrow.
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Petrie is the only ninth Kangaroos player to reach the milestone.
He follows in the footsteps of Brent Harvey (1996-) 367, Glenn Archer (1992-2007) 311, Wayne Schimmelbusch (1973-87) 306, Adam Simpson (1995-2009) 306, Keith Greig (1971-85) 294, Anthony Stevens (1989-2004) 292, Michael Martyn (1988-2002) 287 and David Dench (1969-84) 275
In all, just 211 AFL/VFL players have reached 250 games.
Petrie’s AFL journey began when he was drafted from Ballarat Swans and North Ballarat Rebels in 2000.
By his own admission he was no star as a youngster. However, he worked hard and grabbed his opportunities with the Rebels in the TAC Cup.
Petrie had the distinction of being the only squad member to play all 18 games for the Rebels in 1999 and was rewarded with the coaches’ award.
Petrie stepped up with another 13 games for the Rebels in 2000, catching the eye of North Melbourne recruiters as North Ballarat best and fairest runner-up and a Vic Country under-18 representative.
While a premiership has eluded Petrie since he made his AFL debut in 2001, he has achieved much.
He has risen to the role of vice-captain and with skipper Andrew Swallow still sidelined as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Petrie will captain North Melbourne in his 250th.
The big key forward and part-time ruckman has also represented Australia in an International Rules Series against Ireland and was an All-Australian in 2011.
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au