After being elevated from the rookie list and being named as an emergency towards the end of 2008, Petrenko was elevated to the senior list permanently for the next season and made his AFL debut against Collingwood in round 1.

He was in and out of the senior team during the season, impressing with his pace and ferocious tackling.

Despite growing up in South Australia, Petrenko was a passionate St. Kilda supporter and was hopeful of being drafted by the Saints before ultimately being chosen by the Crows.

[5] Petrenko grew up in Henley Beach, South Australia, attending Henley High School and supporting the St Kilda Football Club.

[6] Petrenko has a son called Seb with his long-term partner Jessica Dover, with whom he appeared on series 6 of the renovation TV show House Rules.