Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan diagnosed with cancer

Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan has been diagnosed with a form of testicular cancer.

The Melbourne forward, just 22, is due to have an operation today and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Hogan did not play last weekend due to illness.

His father died just a fortnight ago after a long battle with cancer.

The Demons confirmed the news on Tuesday.

“The club’s collective heart is with Jesse Hogan. This is clearly a very difficult time for Jesse and his health and wellbeing is the number one priority for us,” Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

“We informed the players of this on Friday and respected Jesse’s wishes to keep this information private up until this point.

“Jesse will obviously miss a period of football due to this surgery but we expect him to make a full recovery and return to AFL in the short-term future.”

He is expected to make a full recovery.