IT SEEMED Melbourne would be robbing its forward line to pay its midfield when coach Simon Goodwin signalled spearhead Jesse Hogan would be used in an on-ball role at times in 2018.

But Hogan's opening to the season suggests Goodwin's move will prove a masterstroke.

After taking six marks inside Melbourne's forward 50 and kicking five goals against Brisbane in round two, Hogan was instructed to roam further up the ground against North Melbourne.

The 23-year-old kicked just one goal against the Roos but only Max Gawn was more influential in the Demons' 37-point win.

Hogan racked up a career-high 26 disposals – his previous best was 23 in round 18 last year – and pumped the ball inside the Dees' forward 50 five times, showcasing an elite aerobic capacity and work-rate.

Melbourne coped just fine without its No.1 spearhead too, with Jeff Garlett, Tomas Bugg and Dean Kent combining for 10 goals, and midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver providing strong targets too.

These early signs suggest Melbourne will be able to deploy Hogan just as effectively as a hulk and hare.

If this is the case, the Demons will boast one of the competition's most lethal double-edged weapons.