THE ARRIVAL of David Hale from North Melbourne will give Hawthorn added variety in front of goal and create match-up headaches for opponents, Jarryd Roughead says.

Hale crossed over to the Hawks in last year's trade period and is expected to be used as the third tall forward alongside Roughead and Lance Franklin.

Roughead said having options in attack would be a key to success in the AFL this season.

"These days a lot of teams have got their No.1 forwards they kick to a lot, but I think teams are starting to work each other out," he told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Monday evening.

"Obviously with all the small boys running around and trying to get to our feet it will make us all better going into this year.

"When you've got a big presence like Bud (Franklin) down there he's going to attract a lot of attention, but obviously getting Haley across from North Melbourne has given us that third tall we haven't had for the last couple of years," he said.

Roughead's work in front of goal was heavily scrutinised last year after he finished the season with 53.46.

After adjusting his set shot technique late last season, Roughead said he was feeling more confident in his action.

"We've had to try a new technique. I worked on it towards the end of last year and it was working well. It was more about repetition work over the pre-season and luckily enough on the weekend I was 100 per cent from set shots," he said.

Roughead kicked 4.1 in last week's NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne and said he was not worried about the criticism that came his way last season.

"It's going to be mentioned but if we do what we do on the weekend and just kick them hopefully that will take care of itself."

Jarryd Roughead is a $288,800 forward in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition