Hogan drives Dees’ hopes

MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin has predicted key forward Jesse Hogan’s “fresh legs” could help drive the Demons’ finals charge after making a stunning return at the MCG yesterday.

Hogan helped power the Demons to victory with six goals in his comeback game against the Brisbane Lions, just three weeks after surgery to repair a fractured collarbone.

Goodwin described

Hogan’s game as “sensational”.

“It’s terrific for Jesse, he’s had a difficult year, but he has had a fantastic little period of

training and even when he broke his collarbone he was really keen to get back playing, and really having an impact for the Melbourne footy club this year,’’ Goodwin said.

“Obviously he hit the scoreboard was one thing, but I thought his intent and the way that he played was outstanding and a reflection of the training that he has been able to put in, and his preparation in and around his game was sensational.

“I guess he is one player that is going to have some fresh legs at the end of the year; he hasn’t played a lot of footy, he is in a similar basket to Angus Brayshaw. They missed a big chunk of the season as has Max Gawn.

“We feel like we’ve got some players in our team at the moment that are fresh and vibrant, and we are expecting some good things out of those guys.’’

Hogan, who also had nine marks and 15 disposals, said his haul was a “bonus”.

“I’m just happy to be out there to be honest,” Hogan said. “The most games I’ve played this year in a row is four ... I went back to what makes me a good footballer and just tried to get to as many contests as I can, and the rest comes from there really.”

Hogan yesterday said the Demons used Bulldog Lin Jong as the blueprint for a rapid recovery.

Jong snapped his collarbone in the elimination final last year but worked his way back into contention for the Grand Final, only to be overlooked at the selection table despite a best-on-ground performance in the VFL premiership.