Former Kangaroo Ryan Bastinac is anticipating an exciting encounter on Saturday afternoon and says facing his old teammates will be a “different” experience.

The midfielder played 121 games for North Melbourne and moved to Brisbane at the end of the 2015 season.

"It's another game, but it's going to be a lot of fun getting out there and playing them," Bastinac said.

"I've trained with them and played with them for six years, so playing against them will be a bit different.

"Personally I needed a fresh start.”

The 24-year-old holds no ill feelings after being traded out of Arden Street.

"Things weren't going the way I would have liked and I got pushed out a fair bit and away from the role I'm good at, so the opportunity to come up here and be part of a young group, help some younger guys out and be a part of a pretty good midfield was something I couldn't go past."

Bastinac collected 23 disposals on debut for the Lions against the Eagles and will be looking to secure his first win in new colours hosting North at the GABBA.

"I'll just be doing everything to play the best for the Brisbane Lions and help the team get the four points, because that's what we're after. It's all about us.

"We can't go away from taking risks and playing that attacking style.

"That's what's going to win us games and that's what got us scoring so much. We can't take that away.

"There's going to be mistakes, but it's about fixing them as soon as possible and moving forward."