Dockers aim to give Hogan silver service

Fremantle spearhead Jesse Hogan has struggled since crossing from Melbourne, but the Dockers are confident the 24-year-old will soon find his groove.

Jesse Hogan

Jesse Hogan joined Fremantle from Melbourne in the AFL off-season. (AAP)

Fremantle defender Nathan Wilson says it's up to the players to give Jesse Hogan better service following the star recruit's recent struggles.

Hogan failed to tally a kick in last week's one-point win over Brisbane and has booted just eight goals in nine AFL games since crossing to Fremantle.

The 24-year-old is still building up his running capacity after arriving at Fremantle with a serious navicular foot injury.

Fremantle's sloppy forward entries have also played a part in his struggles, and Wilson said the team was working to correct that.

"It would be good if we just hit him on the tit wouldn't it?" Wilson said with a chuckle.

"It's a hard one because when I first came to the club, you have to change the way you play because you're obviously playing with different players.

"He's come into a forward line that's young.

"Brennan Cox and himself have probably only played five or six games together, we had Cam McCarthy in there at the start of the year.

"It's obviously going to be tough as a forward. We're going to have to deliver the ball inside 50 a bit better."

Hogan's form will be put under the spotlight on Saturday when Fremantle take on powerhouse Collingwood at the MCG.

Fremantle's last trip to the venue resulted in a 61-point loss to Collingwood a year ago but the Dockers are a much better team this season, as shown by their 24-point away win over GWS in round five.

Fremantle will resist the urge to recall Harley Bennell despite the midfielder's stunning 30-disposal, two-goal return in the WAFL last week.

That was Bennell's first game in nine months, and the Dockers are keen to build up his match fitness before exposing him to the heat of AFL action.

Wilson said he was looking forward to seeing his good friend back on the park.

"He's a freak talent and he's still got a little bit to work on," Wilson said.

"There's a bit of fitness that he would have missed out on, but he'll be ready to go in a couple of weeks hopefully."


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Source: AAP


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