In his fortnightly column for the Ballarat Courier, the 30-year-old described the one point loss to Adelaide as, "the straw that broke the camel's back."
"On Monday, we had a two-hour long match review which was one of the most brutal and confronting I’ve ever been a part of. Brad Scott pulled no punches and we were all laid bare in the theatrette at the club," Petrie wrote.
"The leaders in particular were told in no uncertain terms that we have to take more responsibility for what goes on out on the field in those tight games.
"We have to lead by example and not only worry about our own games, but those of our younger team-mates too.
"We all needed to stand up and be counted when it mattered – but none of us did and we have to cop that."
Petrie has been through his fair share of ups and downs but says this week has been one of the toughest at the club.
"From the outside, I acknowledge it must look like our club has a massive issue with pressure and tight games. Why is it that we keep failing when team’s come hard at us in the final stages?"
"But nothing will convince anyone that we are a legitimate finals contender or that we have the mental resilience and ability to compete until the final siren until we do it over, and over and over again.
"There’s a massive amount of pride riding on our match against the Saints and the proof will be in the pudding."
Petries says the players know it's crunch-time when the ball is bounced at Etihad Stadium on Sunday against the Saints.
"Mark my words, we will come out all guns blazing for Brent Harvey in his 350th game and Daniel Wells in his 200th – but most importantly, we will do it for the jumper because we have some making up to do."
