NEW Eagle Drew Petrie will be “nervous” coming up against his old side for the first time, according to his old coach.
North Melbourne hosts West Coast at Etihad Stadium with Petrie — who played 316 games as a Kangaroo before being told at the end of last season that he would not be offered a new deal — making his debut in blue and yellow.
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Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said that while he had not been in touch with his former charge, he said he was confident that there would be some butterflies.
“We’re excited for Drew that he’s doing what he wants to do,” he said.
Drew Petrie and Nathan Vardy speak with Adam Simpson. Picture: Mark DadswellSource:News Corp Australia
“He’s gone across to Perth and he’s done well, obviously, in the pre-season to get picked for Round 1.
“But Drew will always be a ‘Shinboner’ and I’m sure he’ll be very nervous coming up against us.”
Roos ruck Todd Goldstein is expected to shoulder the majority of the tap duties against Petrie and ex-Cat Nathan Vardy, with assistance from recruit Braydon Preuss if required.
Majak Daw featured in a VFL practice match on Saturday, with Scott saying he couldn’t justify picking him for the team’s season-opener after two pre-season competition outings.
“He just hasn’t had continuity this pre-season,” Scott said.
“While he played a few games, we just need more training and games into him.
“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.”
Originally published as We’re excited for Drew: Scott
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