This week, the 25-year-old attended Wooroloo Prison Farm east of Perth, representing the West Coast Eagles Football Club and the Waalitj Foundation, which empowers First Nations people through education, employment and business.
Petrevski-Seton told an audience of 80 prisoners how he overcame a remote upbringing to be drafted by the Carlton Football Club in Melbourne, moving 4,300 kilometres from home as an 18-year-old.
After five seasons with the Blues, Petrevski-Seton returned home to WA in late 2021 to play for the West Coast Eagles.
He said his parents sacrificed a lot to send him to boarding school at Clontarf Aboriginal College, so he was determined to repay them by dedicating himself to football.
“I’ve had to face a few challenges but hopefully my story can inspire these guys to make some smart decisions and teach them to set goals around what they’re trying to achieve,” Petrevski-Seton said.
Wooroloo Prison Farm Superintendent Glen Goodwin said the visit was part of a range of programs which prepare minimum-security prisoners for reintegration to society.
“It’s a great opportunity to have someone with Samo’s stature in the community come across and talk to the prisoners,” Supt Goodwin said.
“It shows that everyone’s capable of having the skills and tools to overcome challenges and that’s something the men can take with them into the outside world.”
Petrevski-Seton fielded a range of questions including the best footballers he’s played alongside at West Coast and Carlton (he nominated Josh Kennedy and Patrick Cripps), before heading to the prison oval to kick a few footies with the inmates.
“There were a few good kickers out there, some pretty talented players,” he noted.
The injured Eagle was also quizzed about the club’s disappointing season which sees them sitting on the bottom of the AFL ladder.
“I got some questions from the boys around the football club and where we’re at but I told them that we’re working hard and training hard to perform at our best for them and all the fans.”
