Facing former teammates is often seen as a daunting prospect, but this weekend is proving to be the exception for Jess Duffin.

A former Pie, the polished recruit is relishing the challenge of facing her former side, when the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos take on Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

“I’ve got some really good friends at Collingwood, I think whoever gets the points on Saturday, it’s going to be a tough game,” Duffin said, at a media gathering on Wednesday.

“We know how they play and what they like to do, I think it’s going to be a good contest.

“They’ve got nothing to lose and that’s kind of dangerous for any side looking to play them.”

After suffering their first loss of the season last weekend, the Roos will be eager to make amends against a Collingwood side looking to secure its first premiership points.

“I don’t think any team likes losing, we’ve just got to bounce back,” she said.

“Good sides bounce back and that’s what we’re looking to do on Saturday. Adelaide played really well, you’ve got to give credit to them, they’re a really good unit.

“We probably just panicked a little bit at times, especially from the back half. That’s where we usually get our launch from, again that’s what we’ll be looking to do on Saturday.”

One of four players to make the move to Arden Street from Collingwood in the off-season, Duffin played down the significance of facing her former side.

“I don’t know about extra motivation, I think it’s pretty exciting,” she explained.

“I think it’s going to happen over the next few years with expansion teams, I’m really looking forward to it.

“I do know a few of them (Collingwood players), but at the end of the day, they’re getting better. We’ve got to watch out for them.”

Duffin admits that she’s excited to compete on the big stage this weekend, taking part in a double-header which will also see the Western Bulldogs host Melbourne.

“I think we will get a big crowd, something like Marvel Stadium, everyone is looking forward to it,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to a big crowd, being a double-header as well, going to see two games of AFLW. There’s nothing better, hopefully people will come watch.”

The in-form defender has enjoyed a strong start to her season, highlighted by her standing as the only player to feature in the AFLW team of the week in every round so far.

Rather than bask in the spotlight, Duffin was quick to praise the form of her fellow defenders.

“It’s a good question, but I don’t think I’ve been doing that well,” she said.

“I think it’s more about the people I have around me and what they’re doing. Britt Gibson, Tahlia Randall, they’ve really been helping me out.

“I can only do what I’ve been doing because of their lockdown roles. I’m grateful for my backline.”