Trent West could probably be forgiven for having mixed emotions as he prepares to line up against his former side Geelong for the first time this Sunday at the Gabba.

West spent eight seasons with the Cats, and was part of their 2011 AFL premiership triumph, before he was traded to Brisbane and joining the Lions during the off-season.

But the 26-year-old said to decision to move north was his own, with greater senior opportunities his main motivation.  

“I was still contracted (at Geelong) and had the option of staying there if I wanted to, so it was completely my call to go or not,” West told Dom Fay and Michael Whiting as part of the Fancast.

West knew he would have to compete with the likes of Mark Blicavs, Hamish McIntosh, Dawson Simpson and Nathan Vardy for senior spots at the Cats, and instead finds himself as part of a lethal ruck combination with Matthew Leuenberger.

He admits that it might be a bit ‘weird’ on Sunday when he faces his former teammates at the Gabba.

“It’s a little bit weird, but it’s good that the game is at this end of the season so we can get it out of the way and move on,” he said.

“I guess I’ve got to push the emotional side of it aside and go out there and play footy.

“Obviously they’re a great side and well respected, and have been for quite some time. It’ll be a tough match.”