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Freo spearhead tipped to go as AFL trade frenzy heats up

Pictured here, Jesse Hogan celebrates during a game for Fremantle in the AFL.
Jesse Hogan's frustrating spell at Freo could be coming to a premature end. Pic: Getty

Fremantle flop Jesse Hogan's time at the Dockers could come to a premature end, with the club reportedly putting the key forward up on the trade table.

The Dockers expected big things when they signed Hogan on a three-year deal from Melbourne ahead of the 2019 season.

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At the time, the former Demon had booted 152 goals from 71 games at a rate that put him ahead of key forwards such as Jack Riewoldt, Josh Kennedy, Tom Lynch and Ben Brown at the same stages of their careers.

However, things haven't gone as planned for Hogan in Western Australia and the Dockers are prepared to cut their losses by letting him go from the final year of his contract - for the right offer.

Hogan's two years at Fremantle have been blighted by injury, average form, off-field issues, and mental health battles.

Just last week, Hogan was fined $8000 for breaching WA's strict quarantine laws by inviting a woman into his home just one day after returning from Fremantle's Queensland hub.

On the field, Hogan has managed just 18 goals in 19 games for the Dockers since crossing from Melbourne at the end of 2018.

It's a far cry from 2015 when Hogan booted 44 goals in his debut AFL season as a 20-year-old, and followed it up with 41 goals in 2016 and 47 in 2018.

Whether there will be many suitors for a player who has suffered two serious navicular foot injuries and also carries the risk of off-field concerns remains to be seen.

Channel 7’s Ryan Daniels on Tuesday claimed the Swans have already declared their interest in Hogan after missing out on Essendon's Joe Daniher - who is expected to complete a move to the Brisbane Lions.

"I’m told the club are not actively shopping him (Hogan) around for trade,” Daniels posted on Twitter.

"Hogan, his management and Freo will sit down in 2 wks to discuss his future. All on same page.

"On the flip side, the @sydneyswans have enquired about trading for Hogan. There are hundreds of conversations every year about players - 95% don’t eventuate to anything. It’s just how it works. Still a strong chance Jesse is at the Dockers next year."

Hogan showed his potential with four goals in the club's round 17 win over North Melbourne.

That haul broke a run of six straight goalless games for the 25-year-old.

Also potentially on the outer at Freo is Connor Blakely, who managed just five games this year after falling behind Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Caleb Serong, and Darcy Tucker in Fremantle's midfield pecking order.

In this picture, Jesse Hogan and Connor Blakely are two Dockers stars on the outer at the club.
It's understood Freo are willing to listen to offers for Jesse Hogan and Connor Blakely. Pic: Getty

The 24-year-old spoke during the season about his desire to stay at Fremantle despite the battle for game time.

But the lure of more opportunities elsewhere might convince Blakely that it's in his best interests to leave, despite having two more years to run on his deal.

Busy trade period for key forwards

This year's trade and free agency period is shaping up as a big one for several talented key forwards.

Essendon spearhead Daniher has already nominated Brisbane as his club of choice, while fellow restricted free agent Jeremy Cameron looks all but set to move from GWS to Geelong.

Cameron shocked many in the AFL world by requesting a trade to the Cats, with Geelong coach Chris Scott admitting the club have been interested in him for some time.

"We've had an interest in Jeremy for a long time, probably from the day he was eligible to play AFL footy," Scott told Fox Footy.

Seen here, GWS Giants forward Jeremy Cameron looks set for a move to the Cats.
GWS Giants forward Jeremy Cameron has requested a trade to Geelong. Pic: Getty

"But in our process, I'm quite late to the party when it comes to those discussions.

"It's only when there's a really tangible possibility the player might move and they actually request they want to speak to the coach.

"It was welcome news from our end, but we're really aware there's a process that needs to be worked through and I think counting your chickens before they hatch is rarely a good policy."

North Melbourne are shopping around Ben Brown, while Melbourne's Tom McDonald is also up for grabs.

with AAP

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