PAUL Roos says he doesn't want to pump up Jesse Hogan's chances of winning the NAB AFL Rising Star award, but the emerging Melbourne forward let his football do the talking with another starring effort in a 35-point loss to North Melbourne on Sunday.
A day after Hogan's chief rival, Carlton's midfield bull Patrick Cripps raised his chances of earning the gong with a 35-disposal and 11-clearance performance, the Dees' young centre half-forward rose to the challenge.
In just his 16th match, he bagged four goals and had the better of All Australian defender Scott Thompson.
Although Hogan's efforts couldn't haul his team over the line, his 15 touches, nine marks – three contested – enhanced his claims for the Rising Star.
"I don't want to create a headline … but a centre half-forward that's 19 … (he kicked) four today and however many (goals this year) – he'd be stiff to get pipped," Roos said post-match.
"But again, I don't want to dismiss Patrick's effort and Touk Miller's had a really good season. I don't get to see them all. He'd be stiff, but there might be other guys that have had better years because I haven't seen them."
Roos said it was universally acknowledged that playing as a key forward is tougher than midfield for a young player, although he stopped short of saying Hogan's Rising Star bid should be weighted more heavily for that reason.
The West Australian product has booted 36 goals this year to sit equal 14th in the Coleman Medal race, while he's ranked second for most contested marks (41) two behind Geelong powerhouse Tom Hawkins.
In tandem with Chris Dawes (three goals), Hogan helped Melbourne stay in Sunday's game after North almost blew them away with a seven-goal-to-two opening term.
"(Dawes') first-half was really dominant and our two bigs caused some headaches," Roos said.
With veterans Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince well held, Roos was pleased that Melbourne's young stars – including Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw - led the fight back as the Dees booted nine of the next 13 goals after quarter-time.
"The fact we were able to keep in the game with those guys not getting a lot of the ball, what I liked is they stuck to their task, which is something we're really trying to teach everyone in the footy club," he said.
"We know we've improved and today was a really good test for us. But you get disappointed in some of the vision that we see and some of the stuff that led to the seven-goal-to-two (first quarter).
"The second and third quarter will be very, very good – there's no doubt."
The Dees' loss to North Melbourne was their 14th-straight since 2006, while – after upsetting Collingwood last round - they are still searching for back-to-back triumphs for the first time since 2011.
Melbourne will try to end a different hoodoo next round against the rampant Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, a venue at which the Demons have not won at in their last 21 attempts.
