ALTHOUGH he didn’t play in Melbourne’s finest win of the season – a 29-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG in round 20 – Jesse Hogan says being part of a three-game winning streak was his highlight for the 2016 season.

Hogan missed that win against the Hawks, but played in the round 19 win over the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG and Melbourne’s stunning victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round 21.

The goalkicker said it was unquestionably his favourite memory in 2016 – as Melbourne hadn’t won three in a row since 2010.  

“Winning three games in a row [was my highlight for the season],” Hogan said.

“I didn’t play in the Hawthorn game, but to see us win three games in a row was such a big deal.

“We were so inconsistent and people expected us to get beaten, but for us to win three in a row was so exciting.”

But Hogan said the loss against Essendon in round two was the lowlight of the season.

“It was one of those games that we really learned from,” he said.

“As much as you want to forget that day, it’s more important to learn and move on.”

Hogan said Melbourne’s 2016 season was a tick, given it notched up double-figure wins for the first time in 10 years.

“Upon reflection, it was a pass mark,” he said.

“We didn’t quite get there in the end, but our season lacked consistency with a few disappointing losses here and there.

“I’m sure we’ll go into the 2017 pre-season with a lot to look forward to.”

Personally, Hogan said it had been an up and down season, although he still kicked 41 goals in just his second AFL season, which included a personal best seven against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in round six.

“I started the year a little bit slow and finished the year a little bit slow. I had a good patch through the middle, but I lacked a bit of consistency unfortunately, which is something I’ll work on over the pre-season and learn from that.”

“The life of a footballer – it’s your job, but if you’re not playing well and you have a few bad weeks, it can come down on you pretty quick.

“It’s a pretty high pressure job … but it comes in hand with the job.”