The Dockers and Demons' negotiations over Hogan moved at a glacial pace and were so rocky that both parties purported to walk away from the deal last Friday, claiming their expectations were simply too far apart.

However, on Wednesday afternoon Melbourne agreed to trade Hogan and pick No.65 to Fremantle for pick No.6 and No.23.

The deal only became possible when the Dockers finally agreed to release contracted midfield star Lachie Neale to Brisbane earlier on Wednesday in return for, among other things, pick No.6.

That prized selection paved the way for Melbourne to claim Gold Coast full-back Steven May, who the Demons feel will give them the key defender they need to man the competition's best power forwards.

Hogan kicked 152 goals in 71 games with the Demons and won the 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star award.

He kicked 47 goals in 20 games this year but missed Melbourne's finals campaign after suffering a navicular stress fracture.

Fremantle undertook a comprehensive due diligence process before committing to a trade for Hogan, which included medical tests on his troublesome foot and back, and checks on his off-field record.