Former Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton has urged Cam McCarthy to “lay his ears back” and go for his marks if he replaces Jesse Hogan as Fremantle’s main power forward for their round one clash with North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Brereton, who was a specialist coach of the Greater Western Sydney tall forwards in their formative years, said Dockers fans had not seen anything close to the best of McCarthy during his two seasons at the club which have produced 44 goals in 36 games.

“I have seen how good Cam can be. I am a fan of what his capabilities are,” Brereton said.

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“I have no doubt that Cam wants to play a specific role instead of pushing the boundaries of that role to show what he really can do.”

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Brereton worked with McCarthy, Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton, Rory Lobb and Tom Boyd at the Giants.

“Of all those blokes, when we did marking practice, the bravest in the air flying for the ball was Cam McCarthy,” Brereton said.

“Above his head he had the best ability to hold the ball all the way to the ground. I just have not seen that from him at Fremantle.

Play Video Duff and Quarters talk about whether the Dockers' list management is at fault for a number of questionable trades. The West Australian Video Duff and Quarters talk about whether the Dockers' list management is at fault for a number of questionable trades.

“Maybe he has to hold his position, maybe he is not allowed to fly against some of the other guys.

“If Cam just lays his ears back, says yeah I will play my role but then lays it all out on the table, sees the ball, runs to it and flies for every mark that he can, you will see a markedly different player to the one you have seen at Fremantle for the last couple of years.

“You will see him split packs.”

Matt Taberner (calf) has been listed as a test but is unlikely to play.