DREW Petrie has his emotions in check ahead of his return to face North Melbourne, but admits he'll probably feel some "weirdness" before the opening bounce at Etihad Stadium.
After 316 games for the Kangaroos, Petrie will debut for West Coast against his old team on Sunday – six months after clearing out his locker at Arden Street.
"I'm OK at the moment just because I'm geographically so far away from the eastern seaboard and all the footy talk that's generated ahead of the game," Petrie told SEN.
"The game is Sunday. It's not far away in terms of days, but it still feels like it's at arm's length.
"I think the first time I feel any kind of weirdness is when we're warming up on end of the ground and North are up the other end warming up and I glance over to see the boys out there.
"So that's when it will certainly hit home … but for the moment – I don't know if I'm trying to fend off any feeling or emotion – but at the moment I'm feeling OK."
With West Coast's first-choice big men on the sidelines, Petrie and fellow recruit Nathan Vardy are set to carry the ruck load against North star Todd Goldstein.
Petrie was upgraded from the rookie list this week, as Nic Naitanui (ACL) and Scott Lycett (shoulder) were placed on the long-term injury list.
"It's unfortunate (for them)," Petrie said. "If it was easy I'd give my good shoulder to Scotty Lycett and my good knee to Nic, because those two blokes are stars.
"I'm absolutely saddened by the effects (of their injuries), and especially Scotty because he was due to make his AFL comeback (from a PCL reconstruction) in round two or three.
"Hopefully he has a smooth transition to coming back and playing because I'd rather – and I think West Coast fans would certainly rather - those two be out there for their side.
"I'll take my opportunity but I'm saddened by the injuries to Scotty being so young.
"It's horrible that he's been cut down again."
With ruck spots up for grabs – and Jonathan Giles also sidelined by a thumb setback - Petrie took his chance in the JLT Community Series.
The 34-year-old competed strongly in both his appearances and cemented a spot with 17 hit-outs opposed to All Australian Max Gawn and Jake Spencer in the final pre-season clash against Melbourne.
In the twilight of his career, the ex-Roos forward said he's been invigorated by a change of role and scenery.
"I've enjoyed the freshness of a new group of players and a new club – that's really energised me," Petrie said.
"Despite the 17 years of pre-seasons in my body I feel really youthful at the moment and excited to kick things off on Sunday against North."
