JESSE Hogan’s camp asked Fremantle for an $8 million deal over eight years before the Dockers emphatically rejected Melbourne’s trade offer.

Foxfooty.com.au understands the length of the proposal, put forward by Hogan’s management Stride Sports, was the concern, not the money.

Fremantle was prepared to consider a three or four-season contract, but considered eight years as a leap of faith too far.

Hogan stands to make approximately $900,000 next year at the Demons so a jump into seven figures is not overly significant, but the Dockers began to smell a rat when Melbourne then came and asked for two first round selections as well.

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Those familiar with the discussion between Hogan and the Dockers said the 23-year-old was only relatively keen to become a Fremantle player and used the meeting to ask questions as much as answer them. In isolation, an approach such as this is not unusual, but Fremantle was a touch surprised by it nonetheless.

Privately, Fremantle wondered why the asking price was so high from player and club despite Hogan not appearing desperate to leave. What were they missing?

It was telling in new footy boss Peter Bell’s statement on Friday that “due diligence” was mentioned not once, but twice. Having discussed money with Hogan’s management and trade scenarios with Melbourne, the Dockers spent significant time weighing up whether Hogan was worth it all. In the end, he wasn’t and the club’s statement was not a bluff.

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Melbourne was left frustrated because it was their belief that an in-principle agreement was all but sorted which would see Pick 6 come their way for Hogan, which they would then use to target Steve May.

But Pick 6 went to Port Adelaide instead, leaving the Dees bewildered but hopeful Lachie Neale’s trade to Brisbane would go through after the midfielder reiterated his desire to leave in a face-to-face meeting with Peter Bell last week.

In doing so, the Dockers would be able to pass Pick 5 to Melbourne after acquiring it from the Lions.

Bell’s statement stunned the Demons.

“We have been undertaking a due diligence process as part of a possible trade to secure Jesse Hogan,” Bell said.

“As part of that process, we have had discussions with Jesse, the player’s management and Melbourne.

“While discussions were proceeding, it became clear that what Melbourne would be seeking for a trade would not be possible for our club to meet.

“As such, we have informed Melbourne and Jesse’s management that we will not be continuing further with the due diligence process.”

It’s understood Bell has come in with a mandate to impart change, starting with Harley Bennell and potentially including Shane Kersten, both of whom have another year remaining on their contracts.

It was this attention to detail which saw Bell conduct a significant amount of “due diligence” on Hogan and decide an eight-year deal and two fast round selections was too much to pay.

When accused of bluffing, the Dockers privately bristled.

A Hogan trade is not dead in the water, but it appears Melbourne will have to buckle first.