Jagga Smith is justifiably all the rage among Carlton supporters, but Harry Dean is absolutely looking the part in defence.

And despite his first-year player status, he’s “not copping it” from his forward opponents who decide to try and get physical with him.

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“If you’re going to give it to me, I’ll give it back – it’s straightforward like that,” Dean told Fox Footy after the Blues’ four-point win against Richmond on Thursday night.

Dean got physical with Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch – who’s not one to shy away from some push and shove – throughout the evening.

“You’re not gonna cop it; obviously, you’re going to give some back and show that you’re not here to be pushed around,” Dean added.

The 18-year-old, in just his second game, was stout in defence with seven spoils in his first MCG appearance.

Saints great Leigh Montagna said: “I love it. The confidence; he’s a competitor.

“He’s just going to be a guy who’s going to want to win everything. So, for Carlton fans, to have him at the club for the next 15 years, it’s something to build around.”

Blues win in 4-point thriller at MCG | 03:40

Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall added: “He reminds me so much of the old man, who I played against.

“He’s got an attitude, for a young kid that’s come in, playing his second game, and he’s giving it to a big name like Tom Lynch – I love it.

“He’s aggressive, he has a crack, he’s got a great defensive mindset. He’ll spoil first … I like what he’s doing.”

Dean lauded the support of Jacob Weitering as he seamlessly settles into the Blues’ defence.

“He’s been really good to me,” Dean said on Fox Footy.

“To have Jacob down there – also Lewis Young – to have those boys down there; it’s been unreal.”

“We were targeted all week” | 09:08

Dean also gave an insight into skipper Patrick Cripps’ message to the side as Carlton stood up against the Richmond storm in the waning minutes.

“Crippa said to us: ‘Everyone’s got to lift, we’re all leaders here – you can’t just rely on one or two people, we all have to lift’,” Dean recalled.

“I just thought to myself: ‘It’s not going to be easy – nothing’s easy in this game, it’s the best of the best.

“So, there were five or two minutes left, I just thought ‘this is it, just two minutes left, just give it (my) all, and hopefully the siren sounds’.”