Became somewhat public: AFL legend opens up about marriage collapse that left him visibly broken
North Melbourne great Drew Petrie has revealed he felt he was left “a broken man” after his marriage fell apart. The 332-game forward, who was a five-time leading goalkicker for the Kangaroos and finished his time there with a season at West Coast alongside former teammate Adam Simpson, has spoken candidly about the personal upheaval.
Since retiring in 2017, Petrie has taken on off-field roles with the Eagles, including work as their academy high-performance coach and later as wellbeing and development manager. Yet the public scrutiny surrounding his marriage breakdown in 2025 led to his exit from the club and a return to Victoria.
In an exclusive interview with Nine’s Owen Leonard, Petrie described how the private turmoil spilled into the public sphere and the difficulty of navigating that attention. “When what was happening in my personal life became somewhat public, it was hard to manage,” he said. He emphasized the importance of support from friends and family, noting that returning home to Victoria was largely influenced by that network. He added that the deep heartache he carries will gradually heal, citing the experiences of others who have faced similar challenges.
Petrie credited the AFL Players’ Association for help during this period and said he’s now in a steadier place thanks to their support, plus the continued encouragement of friends and family. “When you’re going through tough times, don’t try to fix everything on your own. I attempted to handle it solo and reached a breaking point,” he reflected. “People are more than willing to help—let them in.”
Looking ahead, Petrie remains hopeful about returning to AFL connections. He recalled the standout moments from his North Melbourne days with fondness and expressed that returning to Victoria gives him space to reflect, reconnect with the club, and perhaps step back inside a football environment. “I’d love to set foot in a club again, even if just to observe and support,” he said, while also expressing excitement about watching North Melbourne this season.
Would you agree that public figures should be more open about personal struggles to destigmatize them, or do you think they should keep such matters private to protect themselves and their families? Share your thoughts in the comments.
