Kane Cornes says Fremantle’s decision to keep Jesse Hogan sidelined showed their hand ahead of trade week

Kane Cornes says he expects to see Jesse Hogan’s name come up during trade week after the Dockers failed to “show him the love” in 2020.

Hogan managed just six games this year after taking a mental health break over the summer and stepping away from the game.

A calf injury ruined Hogan’s fairytale comeback just three games in to 2020, but once fit again, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir opted against bringing the key forward back – a move Cornes believes showed Fremantle’s hand.

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“I think the writing’s on the wall for Jesse Hogan,” Cornes said on Footy WA.

“He’s been overlooked while he’s been fit.

“Taberner’s had a great year, he’s been so consistent. He’s the one moving forward and Lobb’s the other one.

“Hogan, I think, there would be some suitors for him in the trade period, someone who’s looking for a key target.

“I’m not sure Fremantle have shown him the love that they want him sticking around.”

Longmuir did address the issue after the Dockers final game, stating Hogan remained contracted at Fremantle.

But Cornes said actions speak louder than words.

“I know after the game Justin Longmuir said he’s contracted and we want him around but the actions said you didn’t want to select him earlier in the year,” he said.

“He’s still 25 years of age, young enough to have a good four or five years left in him at AFL level.

“I wouldn’t think his future is at Fremantle Jesse Hogan.”

Footy WA co-host Scott Watters disagreed and said he thinks we’ll see Hogan in purple again in 2021.

“I’d keep Hogan. I think there’s enough difference between Hogan, Taberner and Lobb,” he said.

“That type of player is hard to come by. I’d still back him in and keep him there.”

Hogan kicked five goals in his final two games of 2020, after five goalless matches earlier in the year.

He’s managed just 19 games for the club since his big trade deal from Melbourne at the end of 2018.