Melbourne expect Jesse Hogan to return from cancer surgery within the next eight weeks but won't pressure the star AFL forward to return sooner than he wants.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin says while Tuesday's surgery was successful, Hogan will come back into the fold only went the tall forward feels comfortable with playing and training.
He expects Hogan will be back around the middle of July, but the 22-year-old could jump back in as soon as round 13 when they clash with last year's premiers, Western Bulldogs.
"It's an incredibly traumatic thing that he's gone through," Goodwin told reporters on Thursday.
"Obviously with these things it really is up to the individual and we going to put no pressure on him at all.
"He loves being around the footy club ... so I'm sure he'll be around quite quickly."
Hogan, who's played 45 games for the Demons, was diagnosed with testicular cancer last week.
Thankfully, a CT scan has revealed the cancer hasn't spread.
The news came less than a month after his father died from cancer.
Goodwin says Hogan's diagnosis probably wouldn't act as extra motivation in Sunday's clash with North Melbourne, as it had last Saturday against Adelaide.
The Demons' 11-year winless drought against the Roos also wouldn't be a factor, Goodwin says.
"We've dealt with a few hoodoos in our journey and as I've said previously, they really are irrelevant to the group."
He says Max Gawn is still unlikely to return for another month, despite the injured ruckman's optimism.
Club officials will meet on Thursday to discuss how to manage oft-concussed midfielder Angus Brayshaw.
The 21-year-old, who hasn't played in the senior team since round two, was concussed again while playing for VFL affiliate Casey.
"We're going to tailor a really specific program for Angus and get him back to great health," Goodwin says.
Fellow concussion patient Jayden Hunt will also be closely monitored before being considered for Sunday's clash.
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