New West Coast Eagles rookie Drew Petrie says he has plenty left to offer as he approaches his 17th season in the AFL.

He was taken by the Eagles at pick No.29 in the Rookie Draft on Monday and offers West Coast both experience and versatility on the field.

Petrie, who can play both up forward and in the ruck, possesses a skillset the Eagles sorely need as they look to get through most of 2017 without Nic Naitanui.

The former Kangaroo told Eagle Eye TV that he was very confident in his ability and body as he embarked on a new chapter in his AFL career.

“I still think I have enough to give; enough to offer another footy club,” Petrie said.

“Last year wasn’t my best year, but the previous five years, leading into the 2016 season, have been really consistent, really solid.

“My body’s been sound. I’ve played every game and trained every session. I’ve got a hardened, resilient body capable of going into my 17th season of footy.”

Petrie played his last game for North Melbourne against Adelaide in the elimination final, but when the Kangaroos called time on his career in blue and white he knew he still had more football left in him.

“I turned 34 in the off-season, old in footy, young in life is what I like to say,” he said.

“The opportunity came once I finished at North Melbourne and I thought I had more to give football.

“There’s still fire in the belly to play and compete and to do it over here, to see a different footy club, to meet a lot of different people.

“Those experiences as well were really appealing to the decision to say ‘yes’ and I’m glad they read my name out.”

Much has been discussed about the Eagles’ unique ruck needs and Petrie says he’s looking forward to assisting the Eagles’ ruck stocks.

“It hasn’t been too specific, but more just to be able to play forward and ruck,” Petrie said.

“The last few seasons at North Melbourne have been just as a forward, so my role here will be an element of the ruck as well.

“So I’ll be here to assist Gilesy (Johnathan Giles), Vards (Nathan Vardy), Scotty (Lycett) as well, and big Nic (Naitanui) in the ruck department.”