Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan takes a break for mental health reasons

Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan has stepped away from the Dockers’ pre-season training for mental health reasons, the club revealed on Wednesday.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 13: Jesse Hogan of the Dockers runs laps during a Fremantle Dockers AFL training session at Victor George Kallis Oval on January 13, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

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Troubled Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan is facing an uncertain future after taking time away from the game to deal with ongoing mental health issues.

The Dockers announced the break for Hogan on Wednesday. The 24-year-old had not been seen at training this week.

He had been expected to graduate into the main training group as he ramped up his recovery from a navicular fracture in his foot that ended his 2019 season after 10 games and 13 goals.

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Jesse Hogan needs soem time to himself. Photo: Will Russell/Getty Images

“Jesse needs time away from the club so he can manage mental health challenges that he is dealing with and focus on his general wellbeing,” Dockers football manager Peter Bell said in a statement. “We believe it is the most appropriate course of action and, more importantly, it is what is best for Jesse’s long-term health and wellbeing.”

“We will continue to provide all the necessary and ongoing care and support Jessie requires, as we would do for any of our players.”

Hogan has been plagued by anxiety issues and erratic off field behaviour in recent seasons, exacerbated by the loss of his father to cancer and his own battle with testicular cancer.

He joined the club from Melbourne at the end of 2018 on a lucrative three year, $2 million deal that included the draft pick six that Fremantle had got from Brisbane in the trade that saw Lachie Neale join the Lions.

The Dockers star has been througha tough time. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith

The Dockers had initially baulked at the trade, pulling out of trade talks early in the trade period before re-visiting and clinching a deal for Hogan later. He had previously played 71 games and kicked 152 goals over four seasons at Melbourne.

Hogan’s 10 games for the Dockers included several important contributions to the 7-5 start the club enjoyed to the season.

But his time back in Perth had also included a wild summer when he was frequently spotted and photographed partying.

He eventually missed Fremantle’s round one win against North Melbourne as a result of a club imposed suspension for missing a training session the week before the game after a night of heavy drinking, forcing the club to reveal his battle with anxiety.

Hogan’s summer this off-season has also been eventful. He was taken to hospital and assessed for concussion after his car flipped onto its side in a Bicton Street after a collision with a parked car. He was released soon after.

Sources close to Hogan believe his rehabilitation from his foot injury was on track. He had felt pain in the foot last week but scans to check after the incident had come back clear and he had been expected to be in full training from now on.

Originally published as Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan takes a break for mental health reasons