Drew Petrie says he is feeling relaxed about Sunday’s game, despite the prospect of taking on his old side.

After 316 games at North Melbourne, Petrie will debut for the Eagles against his former teammates at Etihad Stadium.

Despite the significance of the game, the 34-year-old is keeping his emotions in check.

“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.”

Petrie is set to spend time in the middle against Todd Goldstein and Roos’ debutant Braydon Preuss, having been upgraded from the rookie list on Tuesday.

Injuries to Nic Naitanui (ACL) and Scott Lycett (shoulder) have opened the door for both him and former Cat Nathan Vardy to carry the ruck load.

"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,” Petrie added.