WEST Coast's midfielders have soaked up Drew Petrie's intel ahead of the crucial battle to negate Todd Goldstein's dominance in Sunday's clash against North Melbourne, star wingman Andrew Gaff says.

Petrie is gearing up for an emotional return to face his old side when he makes his debut in blue and gold after 316 games and 428 goals for the Roos.

The 34-year-old will team up with fellow recruit Nathan Vardy to take on 2015 All Australian big man Goldstein, who poses a major threat with his deft tap-work down teammates' throats and ability to cover the ground.

West Coast's onball division adjusted admirably to the loss of Nic Naitanui (ACL) and Scott Lycett (PCL, dislocated shoulder) during the JLT Community Series, but Gaff knows the first real test will come in round one.

"For so many years we've had gold-class service and you can run patterns in response to Nic winning every tap," Gaff told AFL.com.au.

"It's obviously been different in the JLT Series … when you play against guys like (Max) Gawn and Goldstein, who are quality ruckmen and win most of the hit-outs, you've got to find that balance (between defence and attack).

"We've obviously got Coxy (Dean Cox), who is our midfield coach, and we have plans to negate Goldstein's dominance and we know our guys are going to put in a good fight in the air and on the ground."

Petrie has passed on his inside knowledge of the Roos' stoppage work from recent seasons.

"He's definitely (shared) a few things about the midfield and a few things he knows from the last couple of years," Gaff said.

"But all teams change a little bit and their personnel has changed a bit with (Ben) Cunnington not playing this weekend.

"We've got plans – like every team does – to be dominant in midfield. We'll have to be on top of our game."

The addition of Sam Mitchell worked wonders for West Coast's possession count and ball movement over pre-season, and the Hawthorn champion has also shared his experience from roving to non-dominant big men over his career.

The Eagles have picked a fleet of runners to face the Roos, with midfielders Chris Masten, Mark Hutchings and Jack Redden named on the bench.

Petrie is also set to start on the interchange, and is likely to spend chunks of game time in has natural role up forward.

"He just wants to play well and contribute to the boys having a win on the weekend," Gaff said.

"For a big guy, his pressure in the ruck and up forward is something we need and value very highly.

"He's such a great team man Drew already, and the boys love playing with him."