Asked to sum up their VFL match on Saturday, Braydon Preuss and Sam Durdin agreed there was only one word to adequately describe it: odd.

It was a rare situation for the duo; one where AFL club teammates do battle on opposing VFL sides due to North Melbourne’s dual alignment.

Preuss and Durdin experienced it for the first time on Saturday, both playing for North Ballarat against Werribee. The pair also spent time on their Kangaroo teammates – Preuss on Daniel Currie and Majak Daw (when Daw was playing in the ruck), while Durdin played as a key defender against Daw.

It was the first time Durdin had played back since being drafted by North.

“It was a good challenge because it was the first time I’d gone back all year, so to get Maj first up, he’s quality opposition,” Durdin told NMFC.com.au following the match.

“I didn’t know whether to talk to him or not at the start!”

Preuss had a similar feeling while he was in the ruck, registering 30 hit-outs against the North-listed duo.

“It felt like training sometimes because I’ve played against them (Currie and Daw) in a lot of game sense drills. Didn’t know whether to chuck some elbows in or not,” Preuss said with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek.

“The first 10 minutes were especially weird, we were bumping into each other and having a go at each other. But after the game it’s all forgotten about and it’s like it never happened."

Both North Ballarat’s games this season have been in the wet, which is something Preuss rarely experienced while based in Townsville.

“I’m used to playing in the heat, so the last couple of weeks have been different. You’re used to being able to pick up the ball easily, but in the rain there’s so much slipping around, you couldn’t take a mark out there today.

“I can’t rely on the game in the air when it’s raining, and instead focus more on my efforts along the ground, getting whatever I can done.”

Quizzed on Preuss’ performance, Durdin was highly complimentary of the rookie.

“Preussy battled pretty well, he was competitive in the ruck against Crush (Currie) and Maj, and they’ve both played games for North Melbourne. He’s doing alright, he’s had a pretty good start to the year.”

While Preuss has had his role set for the season, Durdin explained how his changed during the week and how he approached it.

“A few days ago I got told I’d be playing back, so I knew that was the plan during the week,” Durdin said.

“In previous years I’ve played down there so I was trying to remember a few things from the time period.

“As a forward your main role is to attack the ball, while as a defender there’s your own opponent and also what makes a good defender is that they can attack as well, so I tried to have that mindset.”

After receiving a compliment from Durdin about his game, Preuss returned the favour – with one last joke between friends to cap it off.

“It’s the best he’s played all year, I thought he went really well against Maj…

“Durds has probably got the size over him as well so that gives him an advantage.”