Melbourne goalkicker Jesse Hogan is "the sleeping giant" of the Demons' forward line and must be given the respect he deserves this Sunday, North's defensive coach Brad Green says.
The 21-year-old was widely criticised following the Dees' shock 13-point loss to Essendon last Saturday, particularly by triple Coleman medallist Matthew Lloyd, who labelled Hogan's body language "horrific".
But Green said Hogan – last year's Rising Star winner – would present a big challenge when the sides meet at Blundstone Arena this weekend.
"We've certainly got to be wary of the sleeping giant. He's been a little bit quiet last week but I thought he performed really well (in) round one," Green told NMFC.com.au on Friday.
"With all the media criticism, it's like he hasn't had a kick for two years.
"But he basically won them the game in the second half (against GWS) – he kicked three goals, he got back and supported the defence, and was really strong for them."
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Despite Hogan being the centre of attention in the media this week, the Demons' small forward options could not be overlooked, according to Green.
Youngster Ben Kennedy, who joined the Dees from Collingwood in last year's trade period, kicked three goals to go with his 21 disposals against the Bombers.
"The flexibility of the Melbourne forward line has developed over the last couple of years and they've brought in Kennedy … and he was a shining light last week," Green said.
The Roos' backline coach also spoke highly of Jeff Garlett after having worked with the lively 180cm forward during his time as an assistant coach at Carlton.
Green said he would pass on a few extra tips to his players about Garlett's attacking traits, but acknowledged the goalkicker brought some "unpredictability" regardless.
"(He has) great speed, high endurance, works up and down the ground and is good in the air," he said.
"We're going to have to combat all areas."
Green was spotted working closely with defender Robbie Tarrant during North's main training session on Thursday, with the pair going through "a couple of things from last weekend's game" against the Brisbane Lions, particularly positioning in marking contests.
He added that Tarrant had performed his required role in the backline with aplomb over the last few games.
"I didn't know how good of a player he was until I turned up," Green said, citing Tarrant's training standards, athleticism and overall strength.
"He did the job on (Travis) Cloke in the pre-season, he held his weight against 'Tex' Walker (in) round one and (Josh) Schache last week.
"He reads the game well and he's really a rock down there for our guys, and they look up to him."
