Melbourne coach Paul Roos is hoping the stirring win over Richmond has given the Demons confidence ahead of a tough month of AFL action.

They are going to need it.

The Demons trounced the desperately disappointing Tigers by 32 points last round but face a major step up in class against undefeated Fremantle on Sunday at the MCG.

They then take on 2014 grand finalists Sydney, champions Hawthorn and the in-form Western Bulldogs.

“You’d hope so,” Roos said of the win giving his long-time battling team self-belief.

“They’re little moments in the journey of this footy club that you hope gives them confidence.

“But we won’t know until Sunday.”

Roos said that Fremantle deserved their status as a flag favourite, reinforced by their 14-point win over the Swans.

But he didn’t think it would be a one-sided affair.

“If we can give the effort we gave on Friday night,” Roos said.

“We’re going to have to play well to give ourselves a chance.

“We’ve got to hopefully continue with that intensity and form that we’ve shown for most of the year against a high quality side that’s undefeated.”

Former great Jonathan Brown said after the Tigers match he couldn’t recall a start to an AFL career as impressive as that of young forward Jesse Hogan.

Roos was also delighted with 20-year-old Hogan’s development after he took six marks and kicked two goals on All-Australian fullback Alex Rance.

“You very rarely see him get out-marked and I think that’s somewhat unusual – when they come in they’re usually inconsistent with their effort but that hasn’t happened with Jesse,” Roos said.

“That’s what I like about him.”