North Melbourne recruit Liam Shiels says it's going to be a "strange" feeling running out against former club Hawthorn for the first time on Saturday.

The three-time premiership Hawk was lured out of retirement at the end of last season to join the Kangaroos and assist senior coach Alastair Clarkson in fast-tracking the development of the young side.

"It's definitely going to be strange running out against Hawthorn," he said.

"I spent so long there, I can't thank the footy club enough for everything they did for me.

"But it's a new chapter in my life and I'm really enjoying my time at here at North Melbourne, it's a fantastic club and we've started the season really well.

"(It's been a) pretty normal week, I caught up with a couple of old teammates during the week. We didn't really speak about footy too much, but it was good to see them."

The 31-year-old said there was no added motivation to get the win at Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium, where a victory would make it 3-0 for the Roos' start to the year.

"My motivation is to help North Melbourne win their next premiership, whichever way possible," Shiels said.

"Unless we win it this year, I'm probably not going to be playing in it, but in any way that I can help develop these younger guys as quick as possible to help North Melbourne achieve their next piece of silverware, I'm happy to help out.

"That's my No.1 motivation, it was my No.1 motivation to come back and play AFL football."

Before joining the Kangaroos as a player, Shiels was in discussions to join in an off-field role, but everything changed once former Hawks mastermind Clarkson was appointed as Roos coach.

"When I hung up the boots at Hawthorn, the time was right," he said.

"As I said, Hawthorn has been a massive part of my life and I'm very grateful for everything that football club did for me.

"Initial talks with North Melbourne were more based around about life after football, I wanted to get into recruiting and list management, so I sat down with (head of football talent) Brady Rawlings and there was an opportunity there.

"But once 'Clarko' got the job … I was one of the lucky ones where I was able to retire and my body was feeling good and I was still passionate about playing.

"Once this opportunity came up to continue playing … (I was) happy to help out the footy club in any way possible.

"It's all about developing these young kids and getting a few games into them, so if that means that I have to go back to the VFL or I can be an on-field coach for a period of time, I'm happy to do that. (I'm) really enjoying my time here."

Despite the dream start to season 2023, Shiels said the group is under no illusions about the mountain they still have to climb.

"To win the first two games is really exciting, but we know we've still got a long way to go, we're not there yet," Shiels said.

"We're still learning a new game style, we've got a number of new guys that have come into the side … we're definitely not getting ahead of ourselves."

Bouncedown against Hawthorn is at 1.45pm AEDT.