NORTH Melbourne forward Drew Petrie says any Kangaroos supporters planning protests over the culling of the club’s veterans at Saturday night’s clash against Greater Western Sydney should “hang their heads in shame”.

Breaking his silence after he was told this week he would not be offered a new contract for 2017, along with Brent Harvey, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito, Petrie said he had been disappointed with the backlash against coach Brad Scott and the “poor” reaction from sections of the Roos’ faithful.

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While Petrie admitted the news that this would be his last season at Arden St had not fully sunk in yet, he said he accepted Scott’s decision and did not want to stand in the way of the club’s future.

Some North fans did not take the news well this week, however, with supporters setting up a “Save Boomer Harvey” page on social media and calling for a protest outside Etihad Stadium before tomorrow night’s match.

“The backlash from some small pockets of North Melbourne people has been poor and I’m really disappointed that that’s the case,’’ Petrie said.

“I hope on Saturday night that North Melbourne fans will get out and support this footy club and support Brad and support all the players because it was a tough decision to be made, but he has got the best interests of the club at heart for now and planning for the future.

“I’ve heard a few whispers about bits and pieces that might go on. That would be the minority, 99 per cent of North fans are rippers, we had a great turn out at training and those small pockets can hang their heads in shame if they decide to behave like they do tomorrow night.’’

While Petrie said his body felt good enough to continue, he said he was happy to step aside for the good of the club.

“This is my 16th season, so I knew that it was going to be sooner rather than later,’’ he said.

“My body is feeling good, so I feel capable to continue, but I would hate to get in the way of the future of this footy club.

“I want the club to thrive now and I want the club to thrive throughout the next generation and if the club doesn’t see me as a part of that then I’m absolutely fine with that and I’m happy to step aside and make sure that this club can be finals contenders for the next five years as well.’’

Asked if he was ready to hang up the boots for good, Petrie said he had not yet given any consideration to his future.

“I’m not sure yet, I’m a very task orientated person and focused on the next three plus weeks here,’’ he said.

“Being told Tuesday, we’re at the end of the week now, I haven’t had time to think about the future ... I haven’t thought past the next game.’’

The decision not to re-sign Harvey has been met with the strongest reaction from the North faithful this week.

Asked if he felt for Harvey given the AFL games record holder’s form this season, Petrie said all four players were hurting.

But he did not want to buy into debate about whether Harvey should play on elsewhere, saying it was a question for his teammate.

“I feel for Mick Firrito and Nick Dal Santo as well, we’re all in the same boat here, there comes a time for everyone to move on and it was always going to be hard given Brent’s position and longevity and solid form this year,’’ Petrie said.

“But the club has always said that they want to continue to plan for the future while not dismissing the present and they have made a decision that is in the best interests of the footy club and we all support that.’’