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GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron says Jesse Hogan is no certain starter for the 2021 AFL season

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron says recruit Jesse Hogan is no walk-up starter for the Giants in 2021, despite losing spearhead Jeremy Cameron.

Hogan was traded to the Giants last year after a tumultuous two years at the Dockers which was marred by off and on-field struggles, seeing him kick just 18 goals in 19 games.

The Giants snapped up the 26-year-old for a fourth-round pick as they look to fill the hole left by 2019 Coleman medallist Cameron, who was traded to Geelong after the Giants matched the Cats’ free-agency offer.

Cameron said there “four young talls” competing for limited spots in the Giants’ forward line come the early part of the season, which includes a clash against the Dockers in round two at Optus Stadium.

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“He’s played 50 games in the last four years, so we’re also really mindful that he hasn’t played a lot of footy,” Cameron told SEN.

Jesse Hogan is set to play primarily as a forward in 2021, according to Giants coach Leon Cameron.
Camera IconJesse Hogan is set to play primarily as a forward in 2021, according to Giants coach Leon Cameron. Credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images via AFL Photos
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“The really pleasing part of Jesse’s pre-season is he trains every Monday and Friday in terms of on legs. So two times a week he’s probably punching out 12 to 13kms on each of those days.

“His foot and his body’s in really good knick. He’s in a good place. In terms of connecting with our group, it’s getting better and better every session.

“There’s four young talls that are vying for probably two or three spots, so spots are competitive and he’s one of those guys putting up his hand.

“We really threw the challenge out to everyone, who wants to step up and be apart of that early part of the season.”

Cameron said Hogan would likely spend most of his time as a forward, but did not rule out the 195cm athlete heading into the middle of the ground at some stage in 2021.

“He’s got a really good football brain, he sees the game really, really well,” Cameron said.

“I see him playing forward and that’s not to say he can’t have a stint here or there up around the footy, because he’s got really good running power.

“No doubt there was some talk about him back last year. We haven’t trialled that yet.

“We’ve really honed in on his forward craft and that’s from up high, because he can get off his man with his work-rate, but equally he can get in behind them as well and take a really good contested mark deep.”

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