The first piece of the trade period puzzle has fallen into place, with the Melbourne Demons re-signing young star forward Jesse Hogan for two years.
Speculation had been mounting for some time now that Hogan, who grew up in Perth, may have been heading home to play with the Fremantle Dockers.
However the 2015 Rising Star winner decided against a move to the west coast, opting instead to extend his contract with the Demons until the end of the 2019 season. Hogan’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2017.
“Melbourne is where I want to be. I really like the city and I’m really excited about what we can do together as a footy club,” Hogan said.
“I didn’t really want all the speculation out there, so there is a bit of relief now that we’ve got it done and I can just focus on being a footballer again.
“Obviously a lot has been made of me being a Perth boy, but the Club has been great in allowing me to head home when I can and that’s something that’s made my decision much easier. They’ve been really good with my situation and something that I am really appreciative of.”
After a tremendous rookie year, when he finished atop Melbourne’s goalscoring charts and finished fourth in the club’s best-and-fairest award, Hogan endured a difficult start to the 2016 season.
But the young forward was able to turn his form around, cementing himself as one of the game’s premier young forwards and, after today’s news, a key player for the Demons to build around for the near future.
Speaking about the deal, Melbourne’s general manager of football, Josh Mahoney, said the Demons weren’t concerned about the trade rumours surrounding their young star.
“We were always comfortable with the situation regarding Jesse’s contract,” Mahoney said.
“We knew it was going to create a lot of external attention, but it was important for the club to continue focusing on creating the best environment possible for our players. We think this decision is an outcome of that and another strong sign that our player group believes in the future of this club.”
“Jesse has achieved a lot in his first 41 games of football; he is a competitive character who wants to achieve much more individually and as a team. He, along with our coaches and players, are looking forward to adding more layers to his game in 2017 and beyond.
“We had ongoing dialogue with Jesse’s management throughout the year and while there was always going to be a lot of supporter and media attention on the renegotiation, we believe in what we are trying to achieve at the Club and felt that Jesse would want to be part of it.
“The other important aspect of this is that Jesse joins a number of other players who have re-signed with the Club this year, which is a great indication for what we are building.”
The 2016 AFL trade period begins next Monday, October 10, at 10am (AEDT).
Paul D
Roar Guru
For what it's worth I always thought Lobb was a waste of your time, but I think the Dockers could have been bolder if Hogan was genuinely on the table. Maybe he wasn't. Who knows. Either that or they've told him wait on two more years and then they'll bring him over on an even bigger deal. Be interesting to see long-term how that one plays out. One of those trade stories that will never stop whenever Hogan's contract comes up at the Demons, particularly if Hogan becomes all that he promises to be.
rusty
Roar Rookie
I agree. Pick 3 is a must have now. Today's mass delistings show we are in full rebuild mode which is exactly where we need to head.
Balthazar
Guest
The comment was about not being a destination club. Pretty sure each of those players nominated only Freo
Balthazar
Guest
I've watched him at Peel too. There is talent there but he has been injured for most of his time at Freo. It shows. Bet Bulldogs fans were saying the same thing about Boyd until very recently and he's not had to perform without any preseason at all
13th Man
Guest
Hill is a better version of Jetta, Bennell at his best is better than all of them, McCarthy unsure about right now, tough to call but we actually need to get Hill and McCarthy before we claim them as our own. Interested to see why West Coast actually would want Ballantyne though? Could be the first time Freo and West Coast do a deal since 2001, I think it was Daniel Metropolis.
13th Man
Guest
Not convinced on Apeness, maybe a back up ruckman at best. Which is why I reckon we should look at Shane Kersten as well as McCarthy, has been alright for Geelong but won't get regular game time, out of contract and a local boy, reckon he would be a good get. Worried about McCarthy, the bloke hasn't played for 12 months, get him by all means but I don't think he is worth anymore than a third round pick. Unsure whether to go SPS or English with our pick 3
13th Man
Guest
Disappointing to miss out on both Hogan and Lobb but it was a long shot at best. At Freo I would now look at getting both McCarthy and Kersten as well as Hill, I think if those three all come it would still be a pretty decent trade period. And we would hold on to pick 3 which would be essential.
rusty
Roar Rookie
Yeah I agree. I actually think that fully fit Fremantle have possibly the best midfield in the competition. It is the rest of the field that is the problem.
dave
Guest
Agree Lobb would have been great but no big deal with missing out on either. Looking at how the Doggies just won the flag when the other team had the best forward in the comp. Having a big forward and kicking over 100 is great but If you look at the final series just gone Its more about 100% team effort. I'm happy with Fyfe,Neale and Bennell in the team next year anyone we pick up via trade or draft is just a bonus.
Griffo
Guest
As a Demon's fan I am not underestimating how important this is. Not only is it good to re-sign a very good and talented young player that may be capable of great things in the future, this is important for building confidence in the club and for other current and prospective signings for Melbourne. This is especially true after losing guys like Scully and Frawley in recent years. This resigning shows that we really have stopped the rot.
Don Freo
Guest
Are you sure it is a head start? Jetta and Redden are still in the starters blocks after many false starts.
Don Freo
Guest
Harley Bennell
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Considering the McCarthy, Bennell & Hill combo haven't played a game yet.............. West Coast have a fair head start at this stage.......
Don Freo
Guest
Your assessment of Apeness here and Hogan on another post, suggesting you can't see what either has to offer is, without a doubt, an incisive comment about something other than their football abilty. There are many that see things you have missed.
rusty
Roar Rookie
I am disappointed we missed out on Hogan but not overly so. Would have much preferred Lobb. I appreciate he is still young, but I thought Hogan was poor for a fair bit of this year. Went missing alot and Melbourne seemed to play better when he was out of the team. He also has very sooky body language ala Jack Riewoldt. Will be very interested in how he develops over the next few years. I would also add that west coast made it known they were very keen on both Hogan and Lobb so it's not just Freo that missed out.
rusty
Roar Rookie
I have been unlucky enough to watch Apeness play most of his games at Peel and out of those games I have seen him play one good game. One. Even then he still only kicked two goals. Does not get the footy. Does not kick goals. Misses easy set shots. Takes the odd good grab but in general is a total log who got afl games this year out of sheer desperation by the club.
dave
Guest
As a player who wants to jump on a plane every 2nd week?
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
So happy that Hogan signed and you watch the Dees become a real challenger with them set up similar to the Dogs with some great kids .
Balthazar
Guest
Hmm... McCarthy, Bennell and Hill vs Jetta, Yeo and Redden. I know which side of the ledger I'd prefer to be on
Don Freo
Guest
Unless you are a Freo boy. Peter Bell, Luke McPharlin, Brad Hill, Cam McCarthy Apart from Kennedy, nothing of quality has returned to West Coast...and he came reluctantly because Carlton traded him out to get Judd. Can you name anyone else? Is Josh Hill and Daniel Chick the best you've got?