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Docker Hogan's AFL goals will come: Lyon

3 minute read

Fremantle spearhead Jesse Hogan has booted just eight goals in nine AFL games this season, but coach Ross Lyon is convinced the 24-year-old will come good soon.

JESSE HOGAN of the Demons kicks during the AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Brisbane Lions at MCG in Melbourne, Australia.
JESSE HOGAN of the Demons kicks during the AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Brisbane Lions at MCG in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Fremantle AFL coach Ross Lyon believes it's just a matter of time before Jesse Hogan fires for the Dockers despite the key forward's recent struggles.

Hogan failed to tally a kick for the first time in his 80-game AFL career during Sunday's one-point win over Brisbane at Optus Stadium.

The 24-year-old finished with eight handballs, one mark and two tackles in a quiet display.

Since crossing to Fremantle last year, Hogan has booted just 8.8 from nine matches.

In his last season at Melbourne, he booted 47.23 from 20 matches before a serious foot injury.

Fremantle's sloppy forward 50m entries this year haven't helped Hogan.

Lyon is confident Hogan will flourish before too long.

"Where he's going to end up in eight years is going to be unbelievable for this club. I have no doubt," Lyon said.

"He had five shots on goal the week before.

"It's probably on us as coaches to bring him up (the ground) a bit earlier (on the days where it is tough).

"But sometimes as a key forward, just bring it to ground and then we'll continue to pat you on the back. It will come."

Michael Walters was the hero on Sunday, with his 'poster' after the final siren lifting Fremantle to the win.

The result improves Fremantle's record to 5-5 ahead of Saturday's daunting Collingwood assignment at the MCG.

In other good news for Fremantle, injury-plagued midfielder Harley Bennell starred in his WAFL return, tallying 30 disposals and booting two goals.

"He showed his class," Lyon said of Bennell, who had been plagued by calf issues.

"He's got plenty of building to do. But it's exciting for Harley and us."

Brisbane led by 11 points early in the final quarter of Sunday's match.

A week earlier, they luckily held on for a one-point win over Adelaide after conceding the last four goals.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said his team needed to learn how to hold onto late leads.

"We were all disappointed," Fagan said.

"We thought for 110 minutes, we were tremendous. Our effort was there. And then the last 10 minutes, Freo just got dominance at the ball.

"We spent our team meeting this week watching the last 10 minutes of the Adelaide game to see what we could learn.

"Maybe we have to learn it the hard way (through this loss to Fremantle)."

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