How ‘misunderstood’ Jesse Hogan is leading GWS Giants’ efficient attack as Kingsley’s men’s star continues to rise

Externally, there were concerns over the GWS Giants’ tall timber as they looked to push into premiership contention, but internally, as Jake Riccardi tells LACHLAN McKIRDY, there were no worries in sight.

Hogan’s vice-like hands were on display against the Kangaroos. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

The dynamism of the Giants’ forward line is set to become one of their biggest weapons in 2024 after leading the way in their scrappy win over the Kangaroos.

There were concerns raised before a ball had been bounced this season that GWS didn’t have the key forwards to compete with the top teams in the competition.

But internally, those fears were never recognised. Jesse Hogan’s resurgence saw him become one of the most damaging targets in the AFL, while his work inspired career-best years in 2023 from Jake Riccardi and Callum Brown.

Throw in number-one draft pick Aaron Cadman who only had a minor impact in his debut season, and Adam Kingsley’s side was stacked with options.

The Giants received an early shock to the system on Saturday against North Melbourne, but the scoreboard continued to tick over and the versatility of scoring options was the main reason the Giants always held the momentum. The home team produced scores from 60 per cent of their forward 50 entries and probably should have ended with a bigger winning margin than 39 points.

“North threw a good punch and we didn’t combat it well,” Jake Riccardi said. “They’ll get some big wins this year playing the way they did, they definitely rattled us.

“Kingers’ message was to be smart and play the Giants way and we’ll get the job done.

“Early on, we were working hard and competing. We fell away from that a bit in the second [quarter] as forwards doing the basics right. But I think we redirected in the second half … and that’s what got the job done tonight.”

Riccardi got the goals flowing early for the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Riccardi was one of the best early for the Giants, kicking three goals in the opening term. He didn’t add another major, but he finished the day with 19 disposals and 10 marks in a strong showing.

His performance was largely spurred on by his inability to hit the scoreboard against the Pies, as well as Brown’s rather catchy goal song – El Sonidito.

“They didn’t get to hear my song last week so I was spewing,” Riccardi said. “Browny’s song when it plays, the crowd starts doing this clap so they’ve really bought into it.

“Our forward line at the moment, it’s working really well. As long as we bring a compete-first attitude then the rest will come.

“Early on we were moving the footy well which is why I got a few out the back. But when you start like that, it always makes your game a bit easier, you build your confidence.”

However, it was Hogan who rightly took the plaudits after his six goals. The 29-year-old looks completely at home leading the Giants’ forward pack and is playing the most confident footy of his career.

It felt inevitable that Hogan’s talent would always get a chance to shine in the AFL, but Riccardi believes that undersells the amount of work he has done to get to this level.

Hogan’s vice-like hands were on display against the Kangaroos. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It always makes it easier when big Hoges is clunking them like he does,” Riccardi said. “He is showing why he’s one of the best key forwards that we’ve seen over the past 10 years.

“He’s so smart and such a good aerial presence. If you’re a junior footy player looking at how to play forward and be a big man, you should watch Jesse Hogan.

“He probably doesn’t get enough credit for his knowledge and smarts around the game. He’s a key forward and you see him do all the big stuff. But he’s so clever with his positioning and when to run back to goal, when to make your opponent come up on you, using your body.

“I’ve lent on that to see how he goes about it. He’s such a good mentor for myself, Cads, Max Gruzewski, we all learn off Hoges because he’s such a great player.”

Even Hogan’s most experienced teammates agree, and the confidence he exudes is reflective of the young forwards around him.

“I think he’s a misunderstood player and seeing him work day to day, (Jesse is) one of the hardest workers in our group,” Coniglio said.

“He makes his own luck I reckon and I’m hoping the outside world is taking notice of just how good of a player he is.

“I think the hardest thing is that you might be able to stop Jesse for a bit and then Cads can get away, Browny will get away, it’s a good problem to have.”

The Giants ran away with the game late to celebrate Josh Kelly’s 200th game in style. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Giants don’t think there is any extra pressure on Hogan to deliver. He’s got a role to play in the team and 10 goals in the opening two games of the season suggests he’s ready to live up to it.

But Kingsley wants to ensure his presence continues to lift those around Hogan to find ways to impact the game.

“To see him compete the way he does, to lead the way in that aspect of the game, not only does it encourage our other key forwards to do it, it holds them to a higher standard,” Kingsley said.

“I think all three of those guys working together has been strong for us in two games of footy so far this year. That’s what we expected out of our key forwards and so far they’ve delivered.”

Originally published as How ‘misunderstood’ Jesse Hogan is leading GWS Giants’ efficient attack as Kingsley’s men’s star continues to rise