FOOTBALL is an extremely important part of Jesse Hogan's life, but it's no longer the be-all and end-all it once was.

That's because the Melbourne star forward's profession has taken a back seat to the overall satisfaction of cherishing each moment he has.

"There was a fair bit to reflect on come the off-season last year, and I had to do a few things with footy and away from footy," Hogan told AFL.com.au.

The personal challenges Hogan faced in 2017 were endless, and for a 22-year-old still trying to find his way in the game and shape his career, certainly took their toll.

Hogan's father Tony died in April last year after a long battle with cancer, with the Demons permitting the forward to spend time in Perth after he received a two-week suspension for striking.

During that period, Hogan was spotted smoking at a music festival, and although Melbourne was disappointed in his actions, the club offered its unwavering support during a tough time in his life.

Hogan was then diagnosed with testicular cancer a month later, and required surgery to have a tumour removed.

Then, after just a month back in the senior team following eight weeks on the sidelines as part of his recovery, Hogan broke his collarbone and missed a further two weeks before returning for the final two games of the season.

"Until something like that (the cancer diagnosis) happens in your life, you don't even really contemplate it or think about it happening to you," Hogan said.

"Up until then footy was not my life, but 90 per cent, if not 95 to 100, of the decisions I made were pretty much based around footy.

"So to have something like that happen was really unfortunate, but it allowed me to step away from the game and have a look at (what I really valued)."

Hogan returned to pre-season training with a renewed perspective. Picture: AFL Photos

Now 23, Hogan said the period of reflection over the off-season had allowed him to approach 2018 with a different mentality.

"I've come back this year with a really clear mindset and it's probably one of the big things I've focused on, just keeping things pretty simple," Hogan said.

The time to evaluate his life appears to have paid off, with the spearhead producing the most consistent season of his six-year career in 2018.

Hogan has averaged 20 disposals and kicked 26 goals from 10 matches. Underlining his newfound consistency, Hogan is one of just two players in the AFL – Collingwood's Will Hoskin-Elliott is the other – to kick a goal in every game this season.

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said Hogan deserved a lot of credit for the professional approach he has adopted after his most consistent pre-season to date.

"Jesse's attention to detail in his recovery, training preparation and games has gone to an elite level," Mahoney said.

"He is enjoying the environment and growing together with a group of similar-aged players."

Hogan's natural maturation over recent seasons is evident, after numerous injury setbacks in his first few years stunted his playing time after he was taken in the 2012 mini-draft by Melbourne.

Following a period of mediocrity in his early years at the club, Melbourne is third on the AFL ladder after five consecutive victories, and Hogan said he and his teammates had no choice but to embrace the hype.

"My first year we were close to rock-bottom to be entirely honest," Hogan said.

"If we can stay together, it'll be a pretty special team. It's just cool to be maturing and evolving with a such a talented and hard-working group."

There's been plenty to sing about for Hogan and his teammates this season. Picture: AFL Photos

The Demons hope Hogan will be around for the long haul, with the West Australian product contracted up until the end of the 2019 season.

For his part, Hogan is in no rush to begin discussions about an extension just yet.

"I haven't been asked the question about moving back home with the contract being 18 months away, but it'll probably start coming up again in the next six months," Hogan said.

"I'm not thinking about it at the moment.

"Those conversations haven't started one way or another. But I'm assuming over the next six or so months the ball might start to get rolling, so we'll see."

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