Hogan unlikely to take on Pies

MELBOURNE forward Jesse Hogan appears certain to miss Monday’s clash with Collingwood, but the Demons are confident he will be back in the not-toodistant future.

Hogan completed some light running with Melbourne’s rehab group before the club’s main training session yesterday, three weeks to the day after having surgery for testicular cancer.

The Demons initially said the 22-yearold would miss 4-8 weeks, the best-case scenario there being a Queen’s Birthday Monday return.

But the club said yesterday it was “unlikely” Hogan would take on the Pies despite his recovery progressing well.

“There’s a lot of different components to this one — it’s probably the recovery from his surgery plus we have to look at his preparation overall,” Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Melbourne teammate Bernie Vince said the team was keen to see Hogan back in action as soon as possible.

“When he’s ready we’ll get him back in because we can’t wait to have him back,” Vince said.

Demons ruckman Jake Spencer has been declared fit to return to the field, having overcome a shoulder injury, but whether he lines up in the AFL or VFL will be determined later in the week. Midfielder Angus Brayshaw sported a helmet under his beanie at training but has recovered from his latest concussion, Melbourne leaving a return date in his hands.

Melbourne is ninth on the ladder with a record of 5-5 entering Monday’s match.