Melbourne has received a timely boost with star-forward Jesse Hogan returning to the club this week after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer earlier in the month. The young star was granted indefinite leave after his operation and returned home to Perth during his recovery.

Hogan’s return is certainly a little ahead of what was initially expected. And the Demons have made it clear they will not rush his return back to senior football. His health and well-being is still the number one priority.

An interrupted season

The 22 year old has certainly had a lot to contend with in season 2017. And consequently the West Australian has only played four games for the year. The forward was suspended for two matches for a striking incident in round two against Carlton. And after returning in round five he missed the following match after the tragic loss of his father Tony who passed away after a long battle with cancer.

To then have to deal with his own cancer diagnosis so soon after this would have been incredibly confronting. The Melbourne players were only notified the day before they played the Crows in what would turn out to be their best victory for the year.

Co-captain Nathan Jones confirmed afterwards their teammate was very much a motivating factor for the win.

“It was definitely mentioned, particularly when one of our mates is facing some of the things ‘Hoges’ has faced. Our best way of honouring him was performing on the weekend and making sure we keep a really positive vibe around the footy club and keep supporting him as well as we can.”

Upcoming fixture

Melbourne has the bye this week and will not take the field until they face Collingwood in a massive Queens Birthday clash on the 12th of June. Which is followed by a clash with the Bulldogs on the 18th of June in round 13.

Jesse Hogan may very well put his hand up for selection against Collingwood. But a few boxes will need to be ticked off by the coaching and conditioning staff.

Uplifting return for Jesse Hogan

Despite all that has transpired off-field in 2017, the 2015 NAB rising star winner has still shown how valuable he is on-field this year. With nine goals from his four matches while also averaging 17.2 disposals and 5.8 marks a game for the season.

It may take some time for Hogan to get his touch back at AFL level. But structurally he is so important to the Demons and is a vital cog in their push towards Finals qualification.

After all the obstacles he has had to contend with, it will just be great to see Jesse Hogan back playing AFL football. And doing what he does best, taking marks and kicking goals.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

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