But despite moving freely and appearing to be over the back problem that has sidelined him since a pre-season match in Alice Springs on February 28, the Demons are likely to adopt a cautious approach with Hogan, meaning he will not make his AFL debut until  2015.

Hogan’s return has provided further optimism for Melbourne fans despite managing only four kicks and two marks for the Scorpions.

After a slow start, it only took a minute into the second term for the 19-year-old to take his first contested mark and pass the ball to Cameron Pedersen, who kicked a goal.

His second term was his most influential, perhaps because he was out of  the play in the first and third terms given the strong breeze favouring the Dogs.

Hogan had a few opportunities to goal but failed. He took another strong grab ahead of Michael Talia about 40 metres out from goal but failed to make the distance and soon after, in his most encouraging play of the day, swooped on the ball from a half-volley and evaded his opponent, but managed only a behind.

Fletcher Roberts moved onto Hogan and nullified him in the second half.

Recently re-signed until 2017, Hogan’s presence loomed large for the Scorpions, who have battled in attack for much of the season. Last year, he kicked 39 goals and won their best and fairest.

Footscray’s prime movers – Tom Young, Nick Lower and Lin Jong – continued to get their hands on the footy in the second half. Ayce Cordy, too, battled manfully in the ruck against Pedersen, who finished with three goals.

With the aid of the breeze, the Dogs kicked 4.8 and kept the Scorpions scoreless to take a 28-point lead into the last change.

Goals to Tory Dickson, David Iaccarino and Jason Tutt against the breeze meant the Dogs ultimately won with a canter.

In Sunday’s other match, Coburg broke through with its first win over Frankston in six years, by 15 points, with Ozgur Uysal collecting 37 possessions.

Meanwhile, Werribee’s clash against Frankston at Frankston Oval next Sunday holds the key to the top eight. If Werribee wins and Sandringham loses to Williamstown and North Ballarat loses to Port Melbourne, the Tigers could end up as high as sixth. However, if they lose and Geelong wins comfortably against Essendon on Friday night at Simonds Stadium, they will finish ninth.

Williamstown faces the prospect of playing its former AFL-aligned partner Footscray in a qualifying final.

Predicted VFL finals fixture (with one round remaining)

Port Melbourne (1^st) v Box Hill Hawks (4^th)

Footscray (2^nd) v Williamstown (3^rd)

Collingwood (5^th) v Sandringham (8^th)

Werribee Tigers (6^th) v North Ballarat (7^th)