MELBOURNE football manager Josh Mahoney says the club will be happy to have Jesse Hogan playing for them next season after Fremantle withdrew from trade negotiations.

The Dockers today said they were not prepared to pay the Demons’ asking price for the 23-year-old key forward, who wanted to explore a move home to WA.

Mahoney said the Demons thought their asking price, understood to be a top-10 pick and either a late first or early second-round pick, was appropriate.

“We believe our offer was reasonable given Jesse’s record as a 71-game player,” Mahoney told the club’s website.

“Jesse has been with us since he was 17 and has gone through some well-documented personal issues, particularly in the last two years, so we were comfortable to support his request.

“It was made clear to Jesse that if we were unable to complete an appropriate deal for both clubs, he will remain a Melbourne player. Both us, and Jesse, were happy with this.

“Jesse was a dominant player, prior to his foot injury late in the year.

“We look forward to him continuing his rehab and performing again for us next year.”