Drew Petrie is loving his first experience of grand final week at club level, but he admits there is a sense of envy.
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Petrie, a St Patrick's College student who played his junior football with the Ballarat Swans and North Ballarat Rebels, has taken on a role assisting the West Coast Eagles’ Next Generation Academy program, which sees him travel all over the state working with multicultural and indigenous footballers – something he is thoroughly enjoying.
This is Petrie’s first year on the other side of the fence following a decorated 17-year career, compiling 332 games.
But that career did not include a grand final appearance, three preliminary final outings with North Melbourne the deepest run into September Petrie endured.
But he is content with the career that he had, the 35-year-old is rapt to be a part of AFL grand final week in club land.
“The feeling’s been great,” Petrie told The Courier.
“The preliminary finals were great, but to be involved in this week – it’s been really good so far.
“Having not been in one myself, it’s really new for me...I’m listening, observing and taking in the atmosphere.
“I’m really content with being able to play footy for 17 years...but I’m certainly envious of the boys that are playing this week.
“I’ll be watching the game on Saturday at the ‘G and cheering the boys on, but there will be a little bit of envy given I was never able to play in a grand final myself.”
West Coast had an open training session on Monday, which saw 12,000 supporters attend.
The excitement in the west is fever pitch in the lead-up the Saturday’s grand final clash against Collingwood.
Petrie said it was great for the supporters to have an opportunity to get behind and watch their heroes train ahead of the big game.
While grand final week was like no other, Petrie said it was important the group kept its focus and did not buy-in to the outside hype.
“The feeling and the vibe around the club is a really positive one.
“Externally, there’s a lot of backslapping and celebrating going on at the moment, but certainly on the inside we know we’ve got a job to do.
“We’re trying to remain focused and not get too carried away.”
Petrie made a one-off return to his junior club in June, guiding the Swans to their second win of the Ballarat Football League season.
Petrie kicked the last two goals of the game in the 13-point victory, while giving a master class of tap ruck work to give the Swans first use of the football at centre bounces.