After another twelve months of quality development at Melbourne the prospect of losing Jesse Hogan to another side would not be nearly as catastrophic as it previously was, says David Schwarz.
The 21-year-old key forward has been holding off for some time on signing a contract extension with the Demons on a deal that will expire at the end of next season.
“There would be 18 teams that would want him… no I don’t (think he wants to go home),” said Schwarz on SEN radio.
“I think that Melbourne were this time last year much more insecure than what they are now and they were insecure because there was kind of a lot of real unknowns about what sort of performances he would deliver – and he was holding all the cards.
“This year they’ve got a good relationship, they’ve been working really well together – open and constant dialogue throughout the process.
“Maybe his footy didn’t develop like they thought but the other thing that’s happened at Melbourne is they’ve developed other players.
“So they’re not as reliant on one bloke as they were, you know Jack Watts has found some form, Weideman has come on.
“Look, I’m not saying this is going to happen but if we were to lose him it would not be as catastrophic as what it would have been last year.
“Yes you lose a bit of hope and someone who is well and truly in their plans going forward, but at what cost?
“That’s always the big question – what can Melbourne afford and what can other clubs afford?
“If you’re going to get him out of there you’re going to pay 20 per cent more than what Melbourne will be able to retain him at.”
Schwarz also pointed out that if the club is sure that Hogan will not extend his stay then they would be a lot better off trading him this year.
“My understanding is with Jaeger O’Meara they knew 12 months ago that he wanted out,” he explained.
“So if Melbourne know that Jesse Hogan is out you would try and do a deal now because you would get more for him, being under contract it gives you more leverage.
“If you are certain that is happening you would try to do that now.”