Boom recruit Jesse Hogan has emerged as a surprise solution to Fremantle’s midfield dilemma, after being used as a big-bodied on-baller in the Dockers’ intraclub game at Cockburn yesterday.

Hogan spent time as part of a three-pronged tall attack with Rory Lobb and Matt Taberner, but was also used in the centre square at multiple restarts.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has admitted he is nervous about the club’s midfield stocks, after injuries to Stephen Hill (quad) and Connor Blakely (hamstring) compounded the loss of star clearance winner Lachie Neale to Brisbane.

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Hogan kicked two goals before taking an early shower at three-quarter-time, unselfishly handing one to Taberner, who kicked three, in the goal square.

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“It was good for him just to be a part of a team. I’m sure he would have been nervous playing for a new club,” midfield coach Anthony Rock said.

Camera Icon Jesse Hogan starred yesterday. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper

“He did a little bit of centre-bounce work with Michael Walters and I thought that worked pretty well.

“I thought his competition at the footy created a couple of scoring opportunities so it was really pleasing and I’m sure that he’ll be better for the run.”

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Hogan’s limited pre-season after a serious foot injury would not stop the Dockers using him as an on-baller.

“It’s more contested efforts in the midfield, rather than being a key forward that’s got to run up and down,” Rock said.

“I think they exert a lot more energy and intensity when you’re in those types of roles. So to get him in the midfield and slow it down a bit will help his input. He played midfield and played high at Melbourne, so it’s not like it’s anything new for Jesse.”

Michael Walters was influential in the midfield across three quarters to confirm his recovery from a knee injury, while youngster Andrew Brayshaw showed no ill effects of his broken jaw from late last season.

Fellow second-year gun Adam Cerra also looks set for a big year after a polished midfield showing.

Defender Griffin Logue impressed as a third tall defender for the B team, having missed all of last season with a foot injury.

The Dockers played their best defence in the second side so they could go head-to-head with their premier forwards.