Discarded North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie is adamant his body can handle another AFL season, saying he hasn’t arrived at West Coast to be merely a spectator.

Petrie played 316 games and booted 428 goals before being axed by the Kangaroos at the end of last season.

The Eagles selected the 34-year-old in Monday’s rookie draft, and Petrie believed he could play a vital role in the ruck and up forward in the absence of injured star Nic Naitanui (knee).