MELBOURNE is supportive and respectful of Jesse Hogan’s decision to recommence contract talks at the end of the 2016 season.



Hogan is contracted to Melbourne until the end of 2017.



The club met with Hogan’s management on Tuesday and the decision was made to recommence discussions at the end of the 2016 season.



It was decided this was in Hogan’s best interests, as he didn’t want the ongoing pressure of having to discuss his contract continually during the season, particularly as he is contracted to Melbourne for 2016-17.



General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said: “Jesse signed a contract extension at the end of 2014 that runs until the end of the 2017 season.”



“The decision to sign a two-year extension at that time was made to allow Jesse time to develop as an AFL player and avoid unnecessary speculation about his future, as his contract does not end for a further two seasons.



“In discussions with Jesse’s management, we have mutually agreed that in the best interests of Jesse, we support the decision to continue contract discussions at the end of the year. We look forward to seeing Jesse continue to develop as a player and contribute to our overall improvement as a Club.”



Hogan has played 20 AFL matches, after making his AFL debut against Gold Coast Suns at the MCG in round one, 2015.



After kicking 44 goals last year and impressing significantly in his first year, Hogan won the NAB AFL Rising Star award.