Consistently named as one of the best pressure key-forwards in the game by Brad Scott, Petrie received further praise after the win over the Tigers.
“(Drew Petrie) has been one of the reasons our defence has been so good this year,” the North Melbourne coach said.
“It’s a team defence style of game and his pressure has been unbelievable. You don’t see it on the broadcast vision, you only see it in review.
“He’s been doing that and today (Sunday) he combined that with a really dominant offensive display.”
One play in particular stood out during the avalanche of goals in the third quarter.
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As Robbie Nahas swung around and put the ball long inside 50, Petrie was well behind play. Defender Troy Chaplin had the key-forward well held, and it looked like Alex Rance would comfortably mark and rebound for the Tigers.
But Petrie somehow shook free of Chaplin’s clutches and managed to spoil Rance, bringing the ball to ground.
The Richmond midfielders had tracked back well, and boasted the numbers advantage around the fall of the ball.
After a bad bounce meant the Sherrin eluded Leigh Adams, Petrie went in again for a second effort. As he picked the ball up, he was set upon by multiple Tigers, yet he was still able to get the ball on his boot and move it forward.
Unfortunately Petrie’s disposal didn’t go quite as intended, travelling further towards the Etihad Stadium roof than the goal umpire.
As Chaplin prepared to either mark or punch the ball clear, Petrie could have been excused for not getting his skates on and putting in effort number three. After all, if it wasn’t for him Richmond would have most likely had the ball in its forward half by this point.
However Petrie was desperate to help his team. He got to the contest, spoilt Chaplin and again managed to bring the ball to ground where the North crumbers were queuing up.
Ryan Bastinac gleefully accepted the gift from his team-mate and dribbled through North’s third of the quarter. It cut what was once a 35-point deficit down to 17, just seven minutes into the third term.
