DREW Petrie has declared himself ready for West Coast selection after making a dramatic return from a broken hand in East Perth's one-point WAFL triumph over South Fremantle on Saturday.
With scores level after Mark Hutchings nailed a clutch set shot from near the boundary in slippery conditions, Petrie clung onto a juggling mark about 45m out from goal in the final minute.
His shot from just beyond the arc was punched through on the line for a rushed behind by Jonathan Giles, and the Royals held on grimly for a thrilling victory after trailing by 17 points at the final change.
"I think it just made it to the line and Gilesy was good enough to hit it over," Petrie said.
"I only kicked it from about 51m – maybe I need to get used to kicking Burleys a bit more often, I didn't flush it too well.
"Mark Hutchings was great all day and got us back level there in the last quarter. There were a lot more winners out there than me today.
"It was a great result. Four-in-a-row for the boys."
In his first state league game since playing for North Ballarat way back in 2006, Petrie finished with 15 disposals and 11 hit-outs supporting Giles in the ruck.
He started in attack at Fremantle Oval and tested out his left hand early with a towering pack mark at half-back, before switching the ball through midfield to Eric Mackenzie and setting up the Royals' opening goal.
The 34-year-old said he had no concerns with his hand, which he protected with a small guard that he will wear for several more weeks, or with match fitness throughout the contest.
Saturday's match was the 317-game veteran's first appearance since breaking his left hand against former club North Melbourne in round one and undergoing surgery to have two plates inserted.
"(I played) normal minutes. I wanted to train myself so that I was available for AFL selection," Petrie said.
"I had zero pain. I felt great throughout the last 10 days of training and I felt great today.
"I'm ready to go, if required (by West Coast). There's a WAFL bye next week so I need a bit of continuity with footy, so hopefully there's a spot.
"At the same time, I wish the blokes a great win tomorrow (against Essendon) and hope all the guys go well and there not be a spot – as long as we're winning, I'm happy."
Petrie admitted there were no guarantees he would win back a berth against GWS next Sunday, with rookie Fraser McInnes holding his spot for the Bombers clash after a competitive first-up effort last Friday night against the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Jackson Nelson returned from a fractured wrist for East Perth and was typically competitive, offering plenty of drive from defence with 15 possessions and kicking a long-range goal.
Will Schofield (18 possessions, one goal) was amongst East Perth's best across half-back, while Hutchings (27) was a workhorse through midfield.
Athletic tall Tom Lamb showed encouraging signs picking up 19 touches and kicking three majors – two in the final-term fightback.
Lewis Jetta's penetrating kicking was a highlight and the former Sydney premiership star did some nice things from 21 touches with 10 inside 50s.
Earlier, goalsneak Willie Rioli made his comeback from hamstring tendon surgery and starred with four-straight goals from 16 disposals in his first game this season for East Perth's reserves.
The Eagles have a fresh injury concern though, with forward Matthew Allen spotted with a moon boot on his left foot.
