NORTH Melbourne defender Scott Thompson says it will be a "huge" assignment containing an imposing West Coast attack in the opening round of the season.

While a forward line possessing reigning Coleman medalist Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Nathan Vardy was daunting enough, Thompson and fellow key defender Robbie Tarrant will also have to contend with former teammate Drew Petrie.

Throw in dangerous small forwards Mark Le Cras, Jamie Cripps and Josh Hill, and the All Australian defender is expecting a busy afternoon for the Kangaroos' backline at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Match preview: North Melbourne v West Coast 

"Round one every year is huge, but coming up against the likes of Kennedy, Darling, Drew and Vardy, yeah, it's huge," Thompson told AFL.com.au.

'They are a big forward line and their small (forwards) are good as well.

"We're going to have our hands full, but we've got a few tactics up our sleeve."

Petrie's debut for the Eagles against his old side is an interesting subplot to a game where both sides will be looking to atone after exiting the finals in week one last season.

While he admits it will be strange lining up on a longtime friend turned foe, Thompson is well aware of what awaits him and is preparing for a ferocious challenge against someone he respects greatly.

"In my younger years I played on him a heap (in match practice)," Thompson said.

"We used to get in a few scuffles and a few punches were thrown.

"Hopefully there are no punches on the weekend.

"We'll probably have a chat after the game, but after the siren goes we're enemies."

An adductor issue interrupted Thompson’s pre-season, but he insists one JLT Community Series hit-out and a VFL practice match has him in good shape to take on the Eagles and help a new-look North outfit.

Coach Brad Scott will blood four youngsters against the Eagles with Jy Simpkin, Mitch Hibberd, Declan Mountford and Braydon Preuss to all debut.

Recycled additions Nathan Hrovat and Marley Williams will also play their first game for the club.

"All the young boys have really stood up (in the pre-season) and put their hands up (for selection)," Thompson said.

"It will be pretty exciting."