Defender Scott Thompson says North’s back six must be wary of Hawthorn’s multiple forward options when the two sides meet at Etihad Stadium this Saturday night.

RELATED: Thompson player profile

The 28-year-old has fulfilled multiple roles in defence so far this season, utilising his ability to play on both small and tall opponents, and provide rebound from defensive 50.

But Thompson said this weekend’s clash will prove the biggest test yet, with the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Paul Puopolo and Bradley Hill all able to contribute on the scoreboard.

“All six or seven of their forwards kick goals, so if one is not having a good day, the other pops up,” Thompson told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.

“They’ve got Roughead and Gunston but all their forwards are good players and they share the goalkickers around.”

The Roos will enter the clash with renewed confidence having beaten the reigning premier in their most recent home and away clash in round 16 last year – their first win over the Hawks since early 2010.

“We had some good success in our last encounter and it just shows if we’re on, we can match it against them,” Thompson said.

Despite both teams sitting with a 2-2 win-loss record, Thompson downplayed the significance of the Roos’ round five match-up.

“You can’t read too much into individual games. It only takes two or three per cent from either team to be off their game and it can be a blowout,” he said.

“If you win by 30 points or lose by 30 points, you can’t predict what kind of outcome the season is going to be.”

Thompson said he “couldn’t fault” his teammate Robbie Tarrant’s game on Geelong forward Tom Hawkins last Sunday.

The 26-year-old forward-turned-defender took regular intercept marks against the Cats, finishing with 23 touches, nine marks and five rebound 50s.

“He didn’t just nullify him (Hawkins), he got the ball on him and took those strong contested marks,” he said.

“Hopefully he can keep going for his marks when he’s in the right position; it’s the best defence, getting the ball.”

Thompson said his morale – and that of his fellow teammates – continues to rise as a result of Tarrant’s coming of age in defence.

“When you’ve got defenders in good form, everyone’s confidence picks up because you know they’re going to do their job and you can trust them to help you out,” he said.

“He’s a good learner and he’s a good contested mark.”