Speaking to the AFL Players’ official website, the vice-captain started with third place in the Rising Star, Luke McDonald.
“It hasn’t been the case with Luke of giving him a game to blood him for the future; he’s actually earned his spot every single week,” Petrie said.
“He’s very courageous and has run back with the flight plenty of times, putting his body on the line – which is an expectation, but to do that at 18 years of age of age is a good trait.
“He doesn’t get as much publicity as others but he’d be one of the few that play most games in their first season.”
Another player maturing quickly is Shaun Atley; having played every game in the past three years, his run and carry has become a feature.
“Ats was commonly known as ‘Humphrey’ in his first couple of years because he was very quiet and didn’t say much,” Petrie explained.
“He’s naturally a quiet person but on the footy field his running ability and his pace are his biggest assets.
“The coach and his teammates certainly encourage him to run really hard off half-back and back his pace in and he sets up a lot of our attacks through the use of his pace.”
Alongside McDonald and Atley in the back half has been Aaron Mullett. While the left footer has had an interrupted season, he has still been damaging.
“He’s a good runner up the ground and he’s been able to kick goals as well so he makes his opponent accountable,” Petrie explained.
“He’s improved on his defensive side. Playing at half-back, his number one responsibility is basically to stop his opponent from having an impact and setting up goals for them. He’s been able to do that more-so this year and find that balance between defence and attack.
“He’s definitely a fun kind of bloke. He’d fit into the ‘cool’ bracket at the footy club. He’s got a good sense of humour and he’s someone who genuinely lifts spirits around the joint.”
Ben Brown has come from the clouds to form an important part of the forward line.
North has only lost one game in Brown’s eight appearances and has scored more than 100 points in each of the last four.
“Browny is a person who will give you an honest crack every single time he plays in the side.
“There are no half measures with Browny; he just attacks the footy and is willing to listen and do whatever he can to help the team.
“He’s like a sponge and absorbs a lot of information. He’s good to work with because he’s willing to try and carry out instructions.”
