STAR Fremantle spearhead Jesse Hogan has resumed training, with an eye on a potential playing return this year.
Hogan's endured a difficult time at the Dockers since crossing from Melbourne on a three-year deal in the 2018 Telstra AFL Trade Period, including going on indefinite leave in late January to focus on his mental health.
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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has since placed the season on hold, because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
The shutdown period, which could extend into at least June, presents the opportunity for Hogan to possibly play as soon as McLachlan gives the green light for round two to go ahead.
Hogan's manager, Jason Dover, of TLA Australia, revealed the positive development for his client.
"He's managed to get a program together and start to train on his own, with the view that, perhaps, potentially when we can get a return date, he may be able to weigh up getting back into footy, which would be terrific," Dover told ABC Grandstand.
"I think it's been well documented that he took some time out and away from footy before the coronavirus shut the industry down.
"Probably timing wise, he got himself into a really good position personally, and right now he's tracking really well."
Hogan was also ruled out of round one last year, for what football boss Peter Bell described as "poor decisions to do with alcohol consumption" that were related to an anxiety disorder.
The 25-year-old later reaggravated the navicular injury that ruined the end of his time at the Demons, and he managed only 12 games in his first season back in his home state.
Then, Hogan was hospitalised in November after being involved in a car accident, where he clipped a parked vehicle.
Hogan's been active on social media, and only last month Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick spoke of his confidence that the talented forward would be back at the club in 2020.
"All we're worried about is his health and wellbeing and welfare," Garlick said.
"There are some really encouraging things that are happening with Jesse at the moment.
"We're really excited to welcome him back … (but) the timing and the football element will be secondary to making sure he's in the right space."
