Based on JLo’s comments to the media, in the space of three weeks Hogan was told he was close to selection (“he has to get through training today, but we expect him to be ready”), not picked, then told he would train as a backman because that’s how he would get a game, then told he wouldn’t get a game as a backman but now needed to train as a forward (again) on a team of 18 year olds get hosed in meaningless 15 v 15 matches.
All the while Freo’s forward line is producing the second-worst output in the league, and Jesse told the forward line was functioning well without him.
Despite what I would think is evidence to the contrary, JLo might in fact have a plan for Hogan, and while I think we’d be better with Jesse in the team, JLo is entitled to train, positon and select the players as he sees fit. He’s the best placed to know what will benefit Jesse and the team. Even if the ‘playing back’ thing failed, I have no issue with JLo giving that a shot.
What I’m less comfortable with is JLo questioning Jesse’s attitude in the media rather than dealing with it behind closed doors. I think most players in Jesse’s position would be frustrated, let alone a player who has probably used a lot of his internal reserves battling back from mental health issues that almost took his career away from him.
Hopefully JLo knows what he’s doing, and if he doesn’t, I hope Jesse has the strength of character and support within the footy club to battle back into the team despite it.
