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Bad break threatens to ruin star Dees' season

A seemingly innocuous bump threatens to spell an end to Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan's season after the Demons star suffered a broken collarbone against North Melbourne.

Hogan was clattered into by Kangaroos defender Luke McDonald in the third quarter of Melbourne's narrow loss in Hobart.

Hogan came straight off the ground clutching his arm after the incident and played no further part in the game.

Demons coach Simon Goodwin confirmed the extent of the injury after the match but remained hopeful that Hogan would return sometime this season.

"He’ll fly back tonight and have some surgery tomorrow, so that’s disappointing for Jesse," Goodwin said.

"We’ll rehab him as quick as we can, have the operation and get him back as quick as we can.

"Obviously we’ll be guided by our doctors and the surgeon, so we’ll wait and get all the information, but I wouldn’t be saying it’s season-ending, that’s for sure."

Hogan went straight off after the incident. Pic: Fox Sports
Hogan went straight off after the incident. Pic: Fox Sports

"He’s in a fair bit of pain first and foremost, so he’s disappointed, but he’s quite upbeat. (He) wants to get it done and get back engaging with the teammates and training as quick as he can," Goodwin said.

"He knows there’s a lot to play for for the remainder of the year and really wants to be part of it."

The injury compounded a miserable day for the Demons whose losing streak stretched to 17 games against the Roos.

The second-last North Melbourne adapted better to a blustery Blundstone Arena, to make it 11 years without a loss against the Demons after holding on for an 11.10 (76) to 10.12 (72) win.

It's a significant blow to the Demons' top-four chances in a tight top eight.