FREMANTLE star Jesse Hogan is taking time away from football for mental health reasons.
"Jesse needs time away from the club so he can manage mental health challenges that he is dealing with and focus on his general wellbeing," general manager of football Peter Bell said.
"We believe it is the most appropriate course of action and, more importantly, it is what is best for Jesse's long-term health and wellbeing.
"We will continue to provide all the necessary and ongoing care and support Jessie requires, as we would do for any of our players."
Hogan was recovering from foot surgery that restricted him to 12 games in his first season with the Dockers last year.
It's the second time since joining the Dockers that Hogan has taken time away from the club to deal with a mental health issue.
Hogan was stood down for the club's season opener against North Melbourne after he was unfit to train due to excessive alcohol consumption.
The club initially described Hogan's condition as "clinical anxiety", before dropping that term after criticism from medical professionals.
Hogan was also hospitalised after he was involved in a car accident in Perth in November last year.
The 24-year-old key forward has played 83 career games, including 71 for Melbourne, before being traded from the Demons to the Dockers at the end of 2018.
