Petrenko helped ignite Adelaide in Balfours Showdown XXXII a fortnight ago, laying a game-high eight tackles and kicking two goals, and backed up his performance with another influential game against Sydney last weekend.
Playing as a forward, the former gathered 15 possessions (10 contested), five inside 50ms and kicked three goals at crucial times in the second half.
He was also credited with two goal assists and is ranked equal-third in the AFL (and first at West Lakes) in this statistic.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said he “loved” Petrenko’s performance against the hardened Swans.
“It was good to see Jared back-up an unbelievable Showdown game with another great game against Sydney,” Sanderson said.
“’Pup’ plays a bit of a thankless role externally, but we really admire him within the four walls here.”
More renowned as a crumbing forward, Petrenko’s three goals against Sydney came from set shots.
The 179cm goalkicker took four marks inside 50m on Saturday night, completely outmanoeuvring experienced Swans defender Rhys Shaw in one contest.
“I’m not sure where those marks came from … I think the ball just fell into my hands a couple of times, so I was lucky,” a modest Petrenko said.
“Hopefully, we can keep getting the ball in there and let the big boys do that (contested marking) work and we (smaller forwards) will get it when it’s on the ground.”
Petrenko played most of his junior career as a midfielder/half-back flanker, but was recast as a forward shortly after being drafted by Adelaide with pick No.25 in the 2008 Rookie Draft.
In recent weeks, the competitive ball winner has been able to combine attack and his strong defensive skills, playing as a negating forward.
He was matched-up against All-Australian defender Bob Murphy in the Crows’ round two clash with the Western Bulldogs, and had another shut-down role on skilful Port Adelaide’s half-back Hamish Hartlett in the Showdown.
“When I get in that defensive mindset, it really drives my aggression,” Petrenko said.
“I enjoy that (negating) role and I’ve played on some really good players so far.
“It helps me learn different things, like where the better players run to get to the ball, which can only help me with my own game, and if I can kick a goal or two and make them accountable it’s good for the team.”
Adelaide takes on Geelong, 12.45pm Saturday 12 May in the Crows next home match AAMI Stadium. Click here for tickets and match day information.
