New Eagles Drew Petrie says friendships were not in his mind when agreeing to head west and join the West Coast Eagles.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson and list manager Brady Rawlings were both long-time teammates of Petrie’s at North Melbourne during his 316 game career.

But Petrie is over to act as cover for the injured Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett, a unique situation where his ability to play in the ruck and up forward was an attractive prospect to Simpson and Rawlings.

“When they rang, and we had many conversations, I knew it was a business decision and a business call in what they were putting through to me,” Petrie told TAB Radio.

“It’s not like they were trying to look after a mate, it was all about what they thought I might be able to bring to the footy club, they liked what they thought I could bring.

“This is a business decision but I also trust those two guys as friends and it was very reassuring that it was those two guys who rang.

“They’re friends but this is about business, it’s not about this little friendship group.

“That’s the furthest thing from my mind, this is about them thinking about what they can do for the West Coast footy club to make it better in 2017 and I’m here to help them become better in 2017.”

While Naitanui is out for much of next season, Lycett was originally pencilled in for round one but Simpson revealed yesterday that his return date had been pushed back, further emphasising the reasons behind adding Petrie to the list.

“It probably just puts into context why we did go for someone like Drew,” Simpson told 6PR Sports Today.

“We do need to eventually look at a long term ruck position, but at the moment with Scott and Nic in their mid-twenties, they are our future. Drew knows that; he’s not silly.

“Part of me thinks he can fill a little bit of a void for us in the early part of the year and who knows, maybe beyond.

“But also, the type of person he is and the character, his leadership and work ethic. All of those things are already rubbing off on our playing group.

“Look, it’s unique to have two key ruckmen going through these serious injuries. It’s a short term fix, but we also see some long term benefits.”