The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) is pleased to announce the appointment of former AFL star Drew Petrie as Head Coach of the BFNL Under 23 Interleague team for the upcoming representative program.
A proud Ballarat product, Petrie began his football journey with the Ballarat Swans before being
selected with Pick 23 in the AFL Draft by the North Melbourne Football Club.
Petrie went on to enjoy a decorated AFL career spanning more than 300 games, becoming one of North Melbourne’s most respected figures across his 16 seasons at the club.
He later added to his career with a season at the West Coast Eagles before transitioning into coaching roles.
After spending the past nine years living and working in Perth within the AFL system, Petrie has recently returned to Victoria and is eager to reconnect with the Ballarat football community that helped shape his early career.
Petrie said he was excited by the opportunity to lead the BFNL’s emerging representative side.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach the BFNL Under 23 Interleague team this year.
When Paul Armstrong called to offer me the role, I didn’t hesitate.
It’s a privilege to represent the players and the league, and I’m committed to giving everything I can to the role.
After nine years in Perth, I’m also excited to be back in Victoria and reconnecting with the local football community that gave me so much as a kid, especially the Ballarat Swans.”
BFNL Director of Operations Paul Armstrong said Petrie’s appointment is a major boost for the league’s representative program.
“Having Drew on board is fantastic for the BFNL and a big boost to our Interleague program.
His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his strong connection to Ballarat football, makes him an outstanding person to guide this group of players.”
BFNL Operations and Football Manager Tayla Banham highlighted the importance of having someone of Petrie’s experience involved with the league’s developing talent.
“Being able to have someone of Drew’s calibre involved in our program is incredibly valuable for the BFNL, and his connection to the region only strengthens that,”
“The Under 23 Interleague concept is something both the BFNL and the Hampden Football Netball League see as a really important pathway for young footballers who may not have come through the Talent League system or whose pathway finished there.”
“Opportunities to represent your region alongside players you normally compete against are rare once junior football finishes. It’s something special, and we’re grateful for the strong buy-in we continue to see from our clubs and players to make this program possible.”
Planning for the upcoming Under 23 Interleague campaign is already underway, with the BFNL looking forward to bringing together the league’s most promising young footballers to represent the region on the representative stage.
