HOGAN STICKS WITH DEMONS

MELBOURNE s pearhead Jesse Hogan has shut down any prospect of joining Fremantle in this year’s trade period after meeting with coach Simon Goodwin.

Hogan, 22, returned home to Perth last week where he briefly spoke with Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe on Tuesday, sparking fresh fears he could entertain a trade request.

But the hulking spearhead has since clarified his future with Melbourne, telling Goodwin that he is committed to playing in the red and blue next season.

Hogan endured a torrid year, including the loss of his father and a bout of testicular cancer, but has vowed to help lead Melbourne to a droughtbreaking finals appearance next season.

He is contracted for two more seasons after signing a lucrative deal 12 months ago.

The assurance is a major relief for the Dees as they prepare to find a new home for playmaker Jack Watts, 26, and secure Adelaide defender Jake Lever, 21, in the AFL trade period which kicks off today.

After nine years at Melbourne, Watts has reluctantly agreed to explore his options and has attracted interest from Geelong, Port Adelaide and Sydney.

Watts is preparing to say farewell to teammates and supporters at the Dees’ best and fairest function tonight.

Lever toured Melbourne’s facilities and met Demons officials on Saturday as he prepares to sign a four-year deal for about $750,000 a season.

Adelaide remains furious with Lever’s decision to leave the club and urged the thirdyear backman to stay away from the Crows’ club champion awards in Adelaide on Friday night.

Lever’s manager Alex Mc- Donald said his client wanted to go to the best and fairest but was encouraged to steer clear.

Melbourne chiefs will continue their trade negotiations with the Crows over Lever when the clubs meet for a round of face-to-face talks at Etihad Stadium today.

Talks between the Crows and Demons over Lever have also been frosty with a Crows official believed to have walked out on a recent meeting between the two clubs.