JESSE Hogan is already delighting Melbourne fans with his ability to take a grab and kick a goal — and it sounds like he’s just as good on the lip.

According to AFL legend Wayne Carey, the young Demons forward delivered the sledge of the AFL season against the Western Bulldogs last weekend.

“When Hogan was lining up for one of his three goals against the Doggies last week, rival skipper Robert Murphy was apparently doing his best to put him off by screaming ‘you can’t miss this, you’re Melbourne’s great white hope’,” Carey wrote in Fairfax newspapers.

“Indeed, in his 16th season, Murphy probably had every right to believe that sledging a first-year player might work. Which is why Hogan’s response, after kicking the goal, is truly priceless. ‘And there’s your great white hope,’ he retorted, pointing to Tom Boyd, who was sitting on the Dogs’ bench at the time.” Burn!

Hogan finished the game — which Melbourne won by 39 points — with 21 disposals and nine marks. Boyd was subbed out in the third quarter with just one possession — a handball — to his name. As first round draft picks at two of Victoria’s developing clubs, the two young key forwards are going to be compared throughout their careers.

After missing last season with a lower back injury Hogan has been extremely encouraging in season 2015, kicking 14 goals from seven games and averaging 14 disposals and seven marks a contest. Boyd, who reportedly signed a seven-year $7 million contract after moving from Greater Western Sydney at the end of last year, hasn’t been as dominant, but he’s a year younger and is sure to improve.

Boyd will be in the spotlight again this weekend when he plays against his former side the Giants. But he won’t be the only one. Greater Western Sydney’s clash with the Western Bulldogs was always going to be hot, but for born-again former Bulldog Ryan Griffen it’ll have added spice.

Griffen expects a less-than-friendly reception from fans at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when he meets the club he represented for 10 seasons before walking out at the end of last year.

“I probably will get booed when I run out, but I reckon that will get me fired up and looking forward to it,” Griffen said. “That’s because they’re so passionate about their team and the Bulldogs.

“So I’m sure they’ll be into me, but that’s exciting for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

— with AAP