Petrenko’s perfect beginning

SURELY your first AFL game has to be one of the most exciting things that can happen for a footballer.

It must only get better if you play Collingwood at the MCG in round one of a new season, and then you steam back to beat them by a point.

That was the scenario for Adelaide youngster Jared Petrenko on Saturday, as his side absorbed the Collingwood body blows before counterpunching to win by four points.

And yes, he was very excited by it.

“It was amazing – the crowd wasn’t quite on our side, but it was really loud and it was good to knock them off,” he said in the Crows rooms after the game.

“I started to get pretty nervous just before the game, and running out, it hit me pretty hard. It was good.

 “I loved every minute of it – I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Petrenko said he was able to settle fairly quickly due to the help of his teammates.

“All the boys helped me through with everything, so once you’re out there, it just sort of comes to you, especially with the way they all back you in and they’re saying it’s just another game.

“The confidence that gives you, and you get from the coaches, it clears your mind a bit.
Fellow debutant Mike Cook missed a crucial shot at goal midway through the last term that would have moved the Crows to a much safer 10-point margin, and Petrenko said he had a chat to him after the game.

“He told me he threw up straight after he kicked it – he ran pretty hard to get that one,” Petrenko said with a laugh.

“It’s a bit unfortunate – both myself and Taylor (Walker, the Crows other first-gamer) kicked a goal in our first game, but I’m sure Cooky will get plenty more opportunities.”

Coach Neil Craig agreed the first gamer was outstanding.

“Yeah, he was. In the end, the selection favoured Jared because of that hardness, and we’ve seen that in the SANFL.

“He should be really pleased.”