The return of key player Scott Thompson and Daniel Wells' good form has North Melbourne confident of maintaining its unbeaten start to the season when it take on Melbourne in Hobart.

Defender Thompson, who missed round two with soreness, is confirmed for Sunday's clash at Bellerive Oval and will be relied on to stifle resurgent Demon forward Jesse Hogan.

"We felt his loss last week," Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said of Thompson.

"It's always nice to have your big, strong experienced key defender in the side."

Hogan will be out to make amends for his much-criticised poor body language in last week's loss to Essendon at the MCG, and Scott said the 21-year-old will be on the Roos' radar.

"He's a very important part of their forward line.

"We're really conscious that he's a really talented player and he's marked the ball against us before so we're going to have to be on our game."

North Melbourne has also welcomed back Wells to the centre this season, and his speed will be valuable against Melbourne's youthful lineup.

With two wins from two rounds, the Kangaroos are favourites to overcome the Demons, but Scott is still looking for a bigger effort from his troops and said Sunday's opponents will be fierce.

Melbourne make their debut at Bellerive on Sunday when they will be without forward Jeff Garlett due to an ankle complaint.

Defenders Colin Garland and Cam Pedersen have been dropped as the Demons look to improve their form after their upset loss to Essendon last round.