FORMER Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine will make his debut for North Melbourne this Saturday against the Sydney Swans at Hobart's Blundstone Arena.

North announced on NMFC.com.au on Thursday that Hine was set to make his club debut against the Swans.

Hine was one of Gold Coast's original 17-year-old concession selections and played nine games for the Suns in two seasons, including eight last year.

North tried unsuccessfully to seal a trade deal for Hine last October, but subsequently secured him with pick No. 61 in the national draft after Hine turned down a contract extension from the Suns.

Hine said he was pleasantly surprised to get a senior opportunity at North so early in the season after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of 2012.

Hine played one of his best AFL games against the Swans in round 18 last season, racking up 26 possessions on Swans playmaker Lewis Jetta.

Hine said he would relish playing on Jetta again this Saturday if given the chance.

"I pretty much play as a small or medium defender playing on the quicks like Jetta," Hine said.  

"Just being a lock-down defender is a role I enjoy. It's what I've done over the last few years so I'm pretty comfortable there.

"I played on Jetta before and played pretty well, but obviously you have to do your homework and know how they play.  

"He's improved a lot since then. I'll do a bit of homework on him but won't try and think about it too much, just let it unfold."

Hine will become North's second debutant this year, after fellow recycled recruit Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide) made his debut in round one.

Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au.