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AFL cancer survivors reach out to Hogan

Cancer survivor Sam Rowe wants expectations tempered about when Jesse Hogan might return to the AFL.

May 17, 2017, updated May 17, 2017
Jesse Hogan. Photo: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Jesse Hogan. Photo: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Hogan’s surgery yesterday for testicular cancer went well and his prognosis is good.

He is not expected to need chemotherapy and while the Melbourne football club have given the key forward indefinite leave, Hogan might be ready to play again in four to eight weeks.

But Rowe, the Carlton defender who survived testicular cancer in 2012, said Hogan will have a lot to overcome.

“At the moment, everyone should temper their expectations with Jesse a fair bit,” Rowe told SEN.

“I don’t think it’s about him rushing back to play footy this year.

“If he does, that’s fantastic, but I think everyone should expect Jesse gets all the time he needs to deal with it.

“Physically and emotionally, he’s going through a pretty tough time.”

It is just three weeks since Hogan’s father Tony died of a different form of cancer.

Rowe has sent Hogan a message a support.

In a weird twist to the bond they now share, Hogan was suspended earlier this season for striking Rowe.

Crows dual premiership star Tyson Edwards – who also battled testicular cancer in the twilight of his career, but didn’t reveal it publicly until after his retirement in 2010 – has also reached out to Hogan, telling The Advertiser “as far as cancer goes if you are going to get it then this is one of the better ones to have because the stats are really good as far as success rates are concerned’.

“But it’s important Jesse gives himself enough time to recover, both physically and mentally, because you don’t realise how much of a mental toll it can take on you,” he said.

“It’s the mental side that can get you.

“If he takes enough time with his recovery then I’m sure he’ll bounce back really well.’’

Hogan’s illness was also made public a year to the day since Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead learned he had a recurrence of melanoma.

Roughead had treatment that sidelined him for the rest of last season and, like Rowe, he made a full recovery.

Hogan’s teammates were told of his illness on Friday.

Co-captain Jack Viney mentioned Hogan’s plight in a pre-game address just before they ran out for the Saturday night game against Adelaide, which they won in a big upset.

“I think when Vines mentions it just when you’re about to run out into your position … it certainly put things into perspective,” Lewis told Fox Footy.

“(He said) just go out and enjoy it. You know, play hard.

“One of our own is at home who is sick, who would love to be out here so take the opportunity and enjoy it.

“It was certainly mentioned going into the game that one of ours was hurting at home, so if you’re going through a tough time (in the game), dig deep.”

-AAP

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