Freakish athletic ability and eye-catching dreadlocks have West Coast's Nic Naitanui destined for AFL star status, but the Eagles warn against expecting heroics on debut.

The first AFL game of the big-leaping two-metre tall teenager, of Fijian descent, will be one of several notable side stories in Saturday night's Etihad Stadium clash with Richmond.

But Eagles assistant coach Scott Burns says the No.2 pick from last year's national draft is not a ready-made footballer like some of the top midfield draftees have proven to be.

"Always with those big guys they are pretty raw, they're going to take time, it's not like a (Daniel) Rich or (Jack) Ziebell, those midfielders that can step right up to the plate and play really good footy," Burns said on Friday.

"He's very talented, but very raw so if he got eight, nine, ten touches, a few tackles and few hit-outs, that would be great."

The Eagles will be seeking their first win outside of Perth since 2007 - when they still had Cousins and Chris Judd in their side - with 16 losing interstate trips since.

As well as Naitanui's introduction, they will be bolstered by the return of David Wirrpanda from injury and midfield star Daniel Kerr from suspension.

Burns said Kerr had played through niggling injuries in the early part of the season, but was now hitting top fitness.

He was unsure what to expect from the new-look Tigers, who have veered quickly towards youth under Rawlings.

But Burns said the Eagles were more interested in trying to help their own young side hone a certain brand of football than worrying about what Richmond will dish up.

Rawlings said he would introduce a few new elements.

"Maybe a couple of subtle things, our defensive elements of our game have been probably things that have cost us at times, along with how we can control the ball," the new Tiger coach said.

"We've put some measurements in place, it's only been a week, but just trying to have some clear messages to the players, so they understand what we want from them."

They also wanted to better exploit their pace.

"I said to the players the other day, we need to play to our strengths, both talent-wise and athletically, and I reckon we're a quick side," Rawlings said.

He said it would be ideal to begin what he has termed a new season for the club with a victory.

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