MELBOURNE young gun Jesse Hogan has suffered a back injury that is likely to keep him out of the opening rounds of the AFL season. 

Hogan damaged his back in a recent NAB Challenge match when a knee from an opponent forced him from the field. 

The Footy Show reported on Thursday night that there was minor stress fractures around the damage as well as bruising. 

The Demons confirmed Hogan had suffered a back injury and said they were awaiting detailed scans of the damage before determining a return date.

Hogan, taken by the Demons in the 2012 mini-draft, which meant he could not play senior football last year, is expected to become one of the emerging key forwards in the game.