DESPITE North Melbourne naming four debutants for its clash against West Coast on Sunday afternoon, the Roos' young brigade has a sharp rebuke for anyone who thinks the club will be easy-beats this season.

Last year's No. 12 NAB AFL Draft selection Jy Simpkin headlines the list of new players to take the field at Etihad Stadium. Aggressive big man Brayden Preuss, midfielder Declan Mountford and backman Mitchell Hibberd will also play their first games.

Off-season recruits Nathan Hrovat and Marley Williams will make their North Melbourne debuts.

Coach Brad Scott said at Arden Street on Saturday his young players did not lack for confidence.

"They've bristled a little bit at the suggestion, because they're young and inexperienced, that they're not capable of mixing it with some really good teams," Scott said.

"They're looking forward to getting out and challenging themselves.

"We understand that with youth comes some potential vulnerability, but these guys are really excited about the chance.

"The young guys, even those playing their first game, they're pretty confident young guys these days. They come through ready to play so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go."

The contest will also mark the first time former Roo Drew Petrie has played for another club.

Petrie was delisted by North after 316 games for the club and the coach revealed he had not been in contact with the 34-year-old.

"We're excited for Drew that he's doing what he wants to do. He's gone across to Perth and he's done well, obviously, in the pre-season to get picked for round one," Scott said.

"But Drew will always be a Shinboner and I'm sure he'll be very nervous coming up against us."

Petrie will play ruck alongside former Cat Nathan Vardy, with Todd Goldstein to shoulder most of the ruck load for the Roos while Preuss spends time in attack.

Majak Daw wasn't picked for the Eagles clash after knee surgery in January set him back. He lined up in two JLT Community Series games but Scott said that wasn't enough to justify picking the 26-year-old.

"He just hasn't had continuity this pre-season. While he played a few games, we just need more training and games into him," Scott said.

"I don't want to get him out there until he's absolutely at his best because it an be a bit dangerous when you do that.

"If he gets out there underdone and doesn't perform to the level he or we would like, it can sap his confidence a bit.

"We'll bring him back in when he's had enough footy and he's in really good touch."

Daw will play in a VFL practice match on Saturday afternoon.