Demon key forward Jesse Hogan has come under fire from sections of the media for his performances so far this year, and North Melbourne's defenders are bracing for an all out attack because of the criticism.

“He has been copping a little bit ... but we’ll still be watching tapes and doing our homework on Jesse, that’s for sure," veteran Michael Firrito told the Mercury.

The Roos hope to regain the services of experienced backman Scott Thompson for the clash with Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday. The 29-year-old was a late withdrawal from the side that defeated Brisbane with general soreness.

Although Melbourne lost to a largely inexperienced Essendon outfit, North will still be paying it the respect it deserves according to Firrito.

“They have been copping it in Melbourne, and no doubt they will come out full steam ahead,” he said.

“We are expecting a fierce battle.”

Hogan in particular has been targeted by Matthew Lloyd for displaying "horrific" body language in the first two rounds but Firrito expects the young goal kicker to shake off the negativity. Robbie Tarrant looms as a likely match-up.

“Jesse Hogan will be a hell of a player for a long time to come, he is a fantastic athlete and has plenty of tricks," he said.

“He is a fantastic player and someone who is going to be around for a long time to come.

“Naturally they attract criticism, they attract praise.

“When you are going well everyone loves you and when you are going bad they turn on you pretty quickly."