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Daisy Pearce took on a new role as she made her long-awaited return to the AFLW stage in Melbourne's opening-round win over North Melbourne.

A full 693 days since last lacing up her boots at AFLW level, Daisy Pearce relished a new role in her return to the stage.

Pearce took the 2019 season off to have twins Sylvie and Roy, but skippered the Demons to Saturday's opening-round win over North Melbourne.

"(It was) awesome, just good to be back out there," Pearce said.

"All things aside, just to start off round one like that with a pretty gritty win on a tough day with some challenges throughout our pre-season - to come away with a win against North who we knew were going to be quality opposition - perfect start."

Pearce, who made her name as an on-baller, had 12 disposals and was cool-headed across half-back.

"I've had a lot to learn, learning a new position and I think that's one of the things I've enjoyed most about the preparation and looking forward to this season is the challenge of learning a new position," Pearce said.

Coach Mick Stinear said the 31-year-old might return to the midfield, but her cool head under pressure made her a defensive asset.

Pearce highlighted an increase in game awareness as a major change since her last game.

"(There was) certainly a change in the amount of chatter about structure and positioning and all that thing going on," she said.

"I think more understanding on both teams and awareness of game style and I just put that down to more time and more access to the resources that we've got now to learn the game.

"That was probably the biggest thing."