Jesse Hogan and Angus Brayshaw could be key to Melbourne’s finals push

JESSE Hogan has missed much of the 2017 season but he and midfielder Angus Brayshaw could prove the “fresh legs” the Demons need to ignite its finals push with one home-and-away round to play.

Angus Brayshaw and Jesse Hogan could be Melbourne’s finals trump cards, coach Simon Goodwin believes. Picture: Getty

MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin has predicted key forward Jesse Hogan’s “fresh legs” could help drive the Demons’ finals charge after making a stunning return at the MCG on Sunday.

Hogan helped power the Demons to victory with six goals in his comeback game against the Brisbane Lions, just three weeks after surgery to repair a fractured collarbone.

Goodwin described Hogan’s game as “sensational”.

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“It’s terrific for Jesse, he’s had a difficult year, but he has had a fantastic little period of training and even when he broke his collarbone he was really keen to get back playing and really having an impact for the Melbourne footy club this year,’’ Goodwin said.

“Obviously to hit the scoreboard was one thing, but I thought his intent and the way that he played was outstanding and a reflection of the training that he has been able to put in and his preparation in and around his game was sensational.

Jesse Hogan returned quicker than expected from a broken collarbone. Picture: Michael Klein

He booted six goals in his return. Picture: Getty

“I guess he is one player that is going to have some fresh legs at the end of the year, he hasn’t played a lot of footy, he is in a similar basket to Angus Brayshaw, they missed a big chunk of the season and as has Max Gawn.

“We feel like we’ve got some players in our team at the moment that are fresh and vibrant and we are expecting some good things out of those guys.’’

Hogan, who also had nine marks and 15 disposals, said his haul was a “bonus”.

“I’m just happy to be out there to be honest,” Hogan said.

“The most games I’ve played this year in a row is four so just to be out on the park was probably my main priority ... I went back to what makes me a good footballer and just tried to get to as many contests as I can and the rest comes from there really.”

Angus Brayshaw and Jesse Hogan could be Melbourne’s finals trump cards, coach Simon Goodwin believes. Picture: Getty

Hogan on Sunday said the Demons used Bulldog Lin Jong as the blueprint for a rapid recovery.

Jong snapped his collarbone in the elimination final last year but worked his way back into contention for the Grand Final, only to be overlooked at the selection table despite a best-on-ground performance in the VFL premiership.

“The collarbone wasn’t an issue, if it was an issue I wouldn’t have played,” Hogan said.

“We based ourselves around that (Jong) he could get back so I could try and do the same thing.

“My mindset swung pretty quick, we went from trying to get my body back (for pre-season) then to no, no we’re still alive here I can still get a few games in before finals and go from there.”

While the Demons welcomed back Hogan, Goodwin said injured co-captain Jack Viney remained a “week to week” proposition.

Originally published as Jesse Hogan and Angus Brayshaw could be key to Melbourne’s finals push