Petrie was born in Dundee, and began his career with Scottish side Forfar Athletic, before moving to Dunfermline in 1993. Spending much of his Dunfermline career in left midfield, he managed a goal ratio of one every six games during his ten years there. He is best remembered for scoring a crucial goal in the penultimate game of the 1995–96 season which effectively won Dunfermline the league championship and with it promotion back to the Scottish Premier League.
In January 2003, Petrie was awarded a testimonial match and appeared for both sides as Dunfermline played against a side of former Dunfermline players. Petrie scored a late penalty to end his Dunfermline career before moving to Australia.
Petrie joined Northern Spirit and managed 10 goals in 37 appearances there. He then spent a short spell in Singapore with Geylang United, in which he scored once during his three matches there.