But fellow key forward Chris Dawes is taking the glass half-full approach, already licking his lips in anticipation at what Hogan will bring to the table next season.
Hogan, selected as a 17-year-old as part of the Greater Western Sydney mini-draft, made a slashing debut for Melbourne in their NAB Cup openers against North Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, impressing with his strength, hands and ability to find the goals.
Tanking history for Demons
It was Dawes' first game for Melbourne as well, but speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park on Saturday, Dawes was happy to deflect the attention to Hogan, who he had a close view of from alongside in the forward line.
"I'm more focused on how we're going to be in 12 months' time once we've got that man-child running around," Dawes said when asked whether he was frustrated that Hogan won't play this year.
"The only thing with him will be because he's so talented and such a competitive individual that there's going to be expectations placed on him from external sources but also internally from himself.
"As long as he can manage that then I think he's going to be a super player. He was our mainstay last night."
Dawes said that Hogan already belongs at the level. "He's big, strong, athletic and really talented, and you'd think that's the recipe for a good player.
"He has the luxury of slowly adjusting his body in the VFL this year without having to adapt to the big stage as well."
Dawes, who crossed from Collingwood at the end of last season, was pleased enough with his own contribution in the opening clash against North Melbourne.
"It was a relief to get out there. Every player gets sick of pre-season training so by the end of it you are happy for the games to come around."
The Demons lost both their encounters on Friday night, but Dawes said he felt the forward line functioned reasonably well.
"Structure wise, there's a place for me there. The feedback from players and coaches is I'm doing OK but I'll know a bit better once the season starts how I'm fitting in."
"Team wise, especially the first match against North Melbourne, we were really competitive and strong in a lot of areas statistically.
"Whilst it is the NAB Cup and you're looking at the big picture, it's nicer to win and we were in it at the end."
Dawes sat out the second match because of a sore calf, which he said was a precautionary measure. Nevertheless, he did undergo scans on Saturday morning and is awaiting the results.
"It just tightened up and had it been a real game, would probably have played a bit more. It's only NAB One, so there's no need to push it."
Dawes said he expects to miss Melbourne's clash with Port Adelaide next weekend in Renmark before resuming against St Kilda at Casey Fields the following week.
Chris Dawes is a forward in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 65.55 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy hub.
AFL Media senior writer Ashley Browne is on Twitter @afl_hashbrowne
