‘Disappointing and incredibly frustrating’: Dockers forward Hogan charged with quarantine breach over female visitor

Australia World

Fremantle Dockers forward Jesse Hogan has been charged with breaching WA’s strict coronavirus quarantine rules after he allegedly welcomed a woman into his home during a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine period.

The Dockers told the ABC Hogan had confirmed to police that he had a female visitor come to his home last Tuesday night.

WA Police have issued a statement saying they have charged a 25-year-old man from Attadale with breaching self-quarantine requirements.

“The man returned to WA on 21 September 2020 and was required under the Emergency Management Act, 2005, to self-quarantine at his home for 14 days, expiring midnight 5 October 2020,” the statement said.

“It is alleged on 22 September 2020, he breached those requirements when he allowed a woman to enter his home on two occasions.”

Police said he had been taken to a Perth hotel for the remainder of his quarantine period.

Jessie Hogan walks off the field following an injury.Jessie Hogan walks off the field following an injury.
Hogan played seven games for the Dockers this season, kicking five goals.(AAP: Julian Smith)

He has been charged with two counts of failure to comply with a direction and will be summoned to appear before a court.

The alleged breach took place just one day after the Dockers returned to Perth.

The WA Government had made exceptions for AFL players to quarantine in their own homes, rather than in hotels.

But they were subject to strict rules, which included only interacting with other members of a household for 15 minutes per day, and only leaving their home to train at the club.

Players ‘well aware’ of rules, Dockers say

Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick said the breach was “disappointing and incredibly frustrating”.

“Our players and staff are all well aware of the restrictions they are all required to comply with while in quarantine and the broader obligation the club has to the community to do so,” he said.

The Fremantle Dockers AFL coach speaks to his players during a match against Port Adelaide on the Gold Coast.The Fremantle Dockers AFL coach speaks to his players during a match against Port Adelaide on the Gold Coast.
The Dockers returned to Perth nine days ago after finishing a positive first season under Justin Longmuir.(AAP: Dave Hunt)

“We have worked very closely and effectively with WA Police, the State Government and the AFL throughout the year, which provided us with the opportunity to complete our AFL season.

“The cooperation and understanding we have received from all parties during the season is something we do not take for granted. This makes the breach even more disappointing and incredibly frustrating.

“In the meantime, we will be reinforcing with all quarantined players and staff the importance of strict adherence to their quarantine protocols.”

The club said the AFL had been advised of the breach.

Hogan has played just 19 games and kicked 18 goals for Fremantle since joining the club from Melbourne at the end of 2018.

He was suspended before round one last year for making “poor alcohol choices” as Fremantle revealed he was dealing with an anxiety disorder.

He then missed the start of this season after taking time off to deal with a mental health issue while he recovered from a serious foot injury.

This is not the first time Fremantle players have been investigated for COVID-19 related breaches.

Earlier this year, police cleared Dockers trio Jason Carter, Luke Ryan and Michael Frederick of breaching social distancing rules after a video emerged of them apparently enjoying a house party, just hours before the WA Government increased the number of people permitted at social gatherings.

The club fined Carter and Ryan over the incident.

Carter was subsequently released from his contract after being told he would not be offered an extension to stay at the Dockers next season.