Drew Petrie wants to continue mentoring North’s younger players, despite stepping away from his official leadership role.

The 33-year-old and former vice-captain, believes the likes of Jack Ziebell, Jamie Macmillan and Shaun Higgins are now ready to step up in his absence.

“I think it’s a cop-out to say you’re stepping out of a leadership group to focus on your own game and your own career,” Petrie told NMFC.com.au.

“You hear that a lot with senior players and older players moving away from leadership groups. You hear them say ‘I’m moving away to concentrate on my thing’. I don’t like that at all and that’s not why I’m doing it.

“The extra hours of commitment you have in the leadership group, I’m going to use that now to spend time with our developing forwards.

“I’m not handballing responsibility away and thinking I don’t have to worry about anything for the rest of my career apart from myself. I actually see more value in spending some time with our younger forwards and younger players in general just to help them all develop.”

Petrie knows the time was right for change.

“As Jack (Ziebell) said in his press conference, he’s a big boy now and that’s simply the case.

“The guys are capable now and really experienced, whereas I think when I was amongst the leadership group and when Andrew (Swallow) took over as captain the group was a bit young and inexperienced.”

The veteran backed Higgins, the latest addition to the leadership group, to set the example for his teammates.

“It speaks volumes of him and the group had to vote him in, so he should be fairly happy with himself. He’s been an exceptional trainer and done everything right from a preparation of view,” Petrie said.

That sentiment was echoed by Nick Dal Santo.

“I think it shows that his hard work is being recognised. He had a fantastic season last year first up at a new club. He’s got his body in a fantastic state which has obviously been a bit of a challenge for him in the past,” he said.

“Even around the club he’s first class in the way he’s about his preparation. He’s exceptional. He leads the way.”