NORTH Melbourne recruit Nathan Hrovat has shown he can make an impact for the new-look Roos this year after booting four goals in the club's practice match with Werribee's VFL side.

The former Bulldog, who crossed to Arden Street during last year's trade period, was dynamic for the Roos in a half-forward role in their convincing win over Werribee.

His effort in the third term – when he kicked three majors – was especially eye-catching, and included a smart goal after roving a marking contest and also a brilliant left-foot snap that sailed through.

The 22-year-old said he was pleased to show his wares early in his time at the club.

"It was good to get the first scratch match out of the way and I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few," he said on Saturday.

"The team's travelling well and we've had a really good pre-season, so it's nice to get into some games now."

Having lost several senior players last year, including champion forward/midfielder Brent Harvey, the Kangaroos will enter this season with plenty of new faces in their line-up.

Hrovat said he was keen to switch between the midfield and closer to goal, and chip in with as much scoreboard impact as possible. He booted 14 goals in 30 games for the Dogs between 2013-2016.

"Hopefully I can fill the void of a few of the older guys who have left and help 'Higgo' (teammate Shaun Higgins) and a few of the experienced mid-forwards in that position," he said.

"We've got a lot of young guys coming through as well who will get plenty of opportunities so if everyone can put their hand up at selection that spot might be under a bit of fire which would be nice."

The Roos were without a group of senior players in Saturday's clash at their home base, with Todd Goldstein, Scott Thompson, Andrew Swallow and Lindsay Thomas missing.

Taylor Garner, Ben Brown and Mason Wood also sat out the game, while their first pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft, Jy Simpkin, is in Western Australia for the AFL's Indigenous camp.

In a positive for the Roos, their first-round selection from 2015, Ben McKay, showed promising signs as a deep forward. He kicked three goals and worked well alongside veteran Jarrad Waite, who also booted three majors.

Hrovat said it has been good to build chemistry with the squad's marking options in attack.

"Big Benny is just starting to move around really well now and I think he came off an operation. He's a big presence for us up there and he's going to be really important for us," he said.

Hrovat missed out on being a member of the Dogs' breakthrough premiership side last year, but has noticed a similarity in the way the clubs have turned over their lists in recent seasons.

He concedes it was tough in some ways to not be a part of his former club's historic Grand Final win over Sydney, but that he has gained an insight into what it takes to get there.

"I'd be lying if I said [it didn't burn inside], especially as I have great mates at the Bulldogs and seeing them do so well was great for them," he said.

"To be able to win a premiership and seeing that first-hand now what it means, it'd be super-exciting to win one here and I think we've got the list to be able to do it."

Hrovat wasn't the only new recruit to don the blue and white stripes for the first time, with former Collingwood defender Marley Williams also playing in the contest.

The ex-Magpie moved well across half-back and gave strong rebound in the early stages of the game.