Literal Human Jet, Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan Wins AFL’s Rising Star

He’s practically the size of a freaking house already and he’s still only 20 years old. Yet despite this he seemingly has the ability to turn his hands into glue buckets, capable of swallowing up just about any ball that comes even remotely near him, regardless of any size or experience advantage any defender in the AFL has over him. He’s a thunderous kick for goal and has the agility of a man half his size. He can probably build houses with his bare hands and punch six foot holes in the earth as well.

The long and short of it? It’s bloody easy to see why Melbourne fans are practically fizzing with giddy glee over Jesse Hogan.
The young man today became the first key forward to win the AFL’s prestigious Rising Star award since St Kilda sergeant Nick Riewoldt did it in 2002.
Hogan beat out fellow nominee and Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps for the award, in a voting ceremony that very quickly became a two-horse race.
The Rising Star award is given to best player who at the start of the year is both under 21 years old, and has played less than 10 AFL games.
The award carries a significant legacy, and in the past has been won by names like Dyson Heppell, Nick Riewoldt, Sam Mitchell, Daniel Hannebery, Brett Deledio, Joel Selwood, Adam Goodes, Ben Cousins, and its inaugural winner Nathan Buckley.
Hogan won the gong with a voting tally of 49, ahead of Cripps on 41, and Dom Sheed of the West Coast Eagles on 27.
In his debut season, Hogan managed to boot 44 goals for the Demons, quickly becoming the focal point of their forward line.
Fellow Demon Angus Brayshaw was also nominated, finishing in 5th place on 8 votes.
Hogan also takes home a $20,000 investment portfolio from award sponsor NAB for his efforts.
Definitely nothing to be sneezed at.


Photo: Quinn Rooney via Getty Images.


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