West Coast captain Shannon Hurn expects a new-look North Melbourne team to come out firing on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

Speaking at the AFL’s annual Captains' Day, Hurn pointed to the Roos’ emerging youngsters as providing a big challenge for the Eagles.

“We expect the game to have more intensity and be more contested,” Hurn told NMFC.com.au.

“What we’ve done has put us in good stead. It’s about being able to adapt on the day.

“That’s the thing; there a couple of different personnel changes, but also slightly different game plans over the years, every club does that. But as I said, there’s always bit of the unknown, you just want to control what you want to do.

“Everyone plays similar sort of footy, but it’s the teams that can adapt that go alright.”

The 29-year-old tipped former Kangaroo Drew Petrie to fit in perfectly in the Eagles 22.

“Drew’s settled in really well. The way he goes about his footy and conducted himself is fantastic,” Hurn said.

“It’s great to have someone like him in the club. He’s performed quite well and put himself in contention for round one and he will probably be able to play. It’s something he would be looking forward to.

“I think once you’re playing, you’re just playing, it doesn’t matter who the opposition is. He'll probably enjoy that and so will a few of the North boys.”