Jesse Hogan to miss at least a month with calf injury

His first season at the Giants has already been hampered by injury and now star recruit Jesse Hogan is facing more time on the sidelines.

Hogan joined the Giants from the Dockers this season. Pic: Michael Klein

The Giants’ hopes of keeping in touch with the top eight have taken a hit, with star recruit Jesse Hogan set for a stint in the casualty ward.

The former Docker and Demon picked up a calf injury at training on Thursday and will spend between four and six weeks on the sideline.

Hogan was named as part of the Giants’ extended squad to face the Eagles on Thursday but Giants coach Leon Cameron confirmed on Friday he would sit the match out.

“We obviously feel for Jesse who’s been good for us in the two games he’s played but hasn’t been able to get a clear run at it,” Cameron told reporters on Friday.

“This creates another opportunity for Zach Sproule, who’s been able to hit the scoreboard and connect well with our forwards and mids in his two games so far this year.”

Hogan will miss important clashes with West Coast and Brisbane. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

After missing the opening six weeks of the season with a quad injury, Hogan made his hotly-anticipated Giants debut against Adelaide in round seven. He also appeared in the squad that narrowly lost to the Tigers last week.

The 26-year-old was influential in both outings, kicking four goals on each occasion.

In positive news for the Giants faithful, the side will welcome back Sam Reid and All-Australian backman Nick Haynes from injury this weekend.

Veteran Shane Mumford and the suspended Jeremy Finlayson are also set to return.

Pending Richmond’s clash with Brisbane on Friday night, a win against the Eagles on Sunday could push the Giants into the top eight for the first time this season.

Originally published as Jesse Hogan to miss at least a month with calf injury