The former Hawthorn and Adelaide midfielder played on the wing in the Roosters' 11.14 (80) to 7.7 (49) victory against North Warrnambool Eagles at Bushfield on Saturday.

"It's really good, the skills are pretty good, everyone's hard in-and-under and it's pretty free-flowing which is pleasing," he said.

"I think the conditions helped that a bit today but yeah it's a pretty good standard of football so I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

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The former AFL player said it did take time to adjust to playing in a new competition on Saturday.

"It did take me a little bit, no matter what league you go to, you've got to figure out what's going on with new faces, new teammates and all that sort of stuff," he said.

Henderson's debut came as a surprise as he wasn't named in the team on Thursday night.

He wasn't the only ex-AFL player to make their Hampden league debut as former Tiger and Hawk, Tyrone Vickey, kicked four majors for North Warrnambool Eagles.

"We thought he played really well, we're not sure how many games he's going to play," coach Adam Dowie said.

"We're hoping it's going to be more than a handful but there's a bit of water to go under the bridge yet."

South Warrnambool coach Mat Battistello thought his defence stood up, keeping the Eagles to just seven goals, despite Vickery's influence.

Both coaches acknowledged the Eagles were missing some important players.

Dowie said injured "A-graders" Dylan Parish and Dion Johnstone were among those who didn't play.

The Eagles mentor hopes they will be available for the round three clash with Warrnambool.

Dowie added depth was an issue for the club but he's confident the Eagles can be a contender this year.

"If we have a good run with injuries and have improvement in our group then we feel we can compete with anyone," he said.

Neither side sustained injuries.

Both teams will have the opportunity to welcome back their Greater Western Victoria Rebels' players in the coming weeks as the NAB League doesn't return until May 22.

Battistello praised his team's ability to "grind out the game" which he said they had improved on since 2019.

He feels his players are better aware of when they have and haven't got momentum.

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