Defence switch on cards for Hogan

MELBOURNE s pearhead Jesse Hogan faces the prospect of making a shock switch into defence for the Demons next year if his move to Fremantle falls over.

The Demons are prepared to trade Hogan to Fremantle in return for pick No. 5 so they can use it to claim Gold Coast stopper Steve May.

Melbourne has also demanded a second high pick such as No. 23 to be part of the Hogan trade, but may have to consider softening its stance on the additional selection to complete a deal before Wednesday’s trade deadline.

Fremantle’s surprise decision to back away from negotiations on Friday, believing Melbourne’s asking price for Hogan was too high, has put the deal on the brink of collapse and angered Hogan connections.

It is understood Fremantle is still keen on Hogan but does not want to give up more than the Dockers accept from Brisbane for dual best-and-fairest winner Lachie Neale.

The tense stand-off has forced Melbourne to consider restructuring its side for next season, including the prospect of swinging Hogan into a key defensive post for the first time in his AFL career.

Hogan, 23, shone at both ends of the ground in the under-18s and, if he remains at AAMI Park next season, would almost certainly spend a large chunk of the pre-season campaign training with the defenders.

It would make Hogan, who is set to earn about $900,000 next year, one of the highest paid defenders in the competition if it became a permanent move.