CHAMPION full-forward Matthew Lloyd has slammed Melbourne youngster Jesse Hogan, describing his body language as "horrific".

The 21-year-old was well held in the Demons' 13-point loss to Essendon, tallying just one goal from eight disposals and four marks.

Apart from a three-goal last quarter against GWS in round one Hogan has had a lean start to the 2016 season.

The Demons spearhead is regarded as one of the most promising young forwards in the AFL, but Lloyd – a three-time Coleman medallist – said Hogan needed to take a good hard look at his on-field demeanour or else a stint in the VFL could be an option.

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"I've watched him live the last two weeks and his body language has been horrific," Lloyd told AFL.com.au's Access All Areas.

"He's being so demonstrative towards his teammates.

"He's getting out-bodied (in marking contests), but he's not even trying. He's either having a go at umpires or he's having a go at his teammates.

"It's (Hogan's body language) that drastic and another week or two of that and they'll have no alternative but to send him back to the VFL."

Lloyd said the 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star winner needed to learn how to work through situations where things weren't going his way.

"Your second year (second full season) in the game is always your toughest because you're watched and there's so much scrutiny on you," Lloyd said.

"We're seeing a different side to Jesse where, when he's challenged, he flips out."

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But Demons teammate Bernie Vince leapt to the defence of the young forward, saying the delivery into the forward line had not been up to scratch in the first two weeks of the season.

"I don't think so," Vince said when asked whether Hogan's on-field behaviour was an issue. "I'd be pretty frustrated with the way the ball's coming in (to the forward line).

"I don't think it's a problem – it's probably our fault."

Hogan, who is contracted until the end of 2017, has decided to put off contract talks with Melbourne until the end of this season.

Melbourne is fully supportive of Hogan's decision to recommence negotiations at the end of the 2016 season.

The West Australian was actively pursued, by Fremantle in particular, before he inked a three-year deal with Melbourne back in July 2014.