Has Young Bulldog Severed Ties At The Kennel Past Restoration? Is It Time For A New Home Away From Whitten Oval?

Say what you want about Jamara Ugle Hagan, but having kicked 78 goals across his age twenty-one and twenty-two seasons, he has catapulted himself into stardom, as one of the best forwards in the competition, and an unstoppable force for years to come.

Ugle Hagan celebrating match winning goal vs Melbourne (Round 19 2022) Source: Getty Images

As one of the smoothest and most electrifying young forwards in the AFL, Bulldogs young gun Jamarra Ugle Hagan started his career in a blaze, burning brightly however briefly, as his persistent actions of the last twelve months have tattooed him into headlines.

After the recent turmoil, as spectators we must query, are we watching a tragic tale of unfulfilled greatness and a talent that could have shaped this generation of not only forwards, but footballers at the highest level, alternatively becoming one of the AFL’s most poignant ‘what ifs’.

The most ominous of his impropriety, coming in the lead up to the Bulldogs blockbuster elimination final against Hawthorn, who dazzled their way into finals after winning seven of their last nine games, concerns for the star's professionalism were raised to the most extreme and damaging levels in the preparations. 

According to Kane Cornes: “There was an intense discussion, it sounded like in the rooms about an hour before they were set to run out,” surrounding his selection, and a possible late omission, outlining the fullest extent of the distraction Ugle Hagan became to the Bulldogs. 

After managing just two kicks and only four disposals, and a failure to hit the scoreboard, the scrutiny was rightfully directed at Ugle Hagan and his role in both distracting his teammates and on his lackluster on-field performance. 

Earlier that week, Ugle Hagan had been unable to train due to ‘personal reasons’ as released in the club's media statement, removing the star from vital reps, and final preparations before the final. 

This proved only the beginning, as an offseason of terror awaited the young Bulldog. His training sessions have proved inconsistent and untrustworthy to the playing group, coaching panel, and fans, after the club permitted him to undertake “Flexible training arrangements as he deals with personal issues”. These admissions have exacerbated the distrust with the star's motivation and determination to wear the red, white and blue. 

Selection proves to be a significant obstacle for Ugle Hagan’s upcoming season as per Sam McClure “It is about more than his physical conditioning… that he has to get passed to be available for AFL Selection.” There are key relationships at the Club in which must be resolved and restored before discussion ensues surrounding selection, that being with Coach ‘Luke Beveridge’, Captain ‘Marcus Bontempelli’ and Veteran teammate and importantly former roommate ‘Rory Lobb”. 

It is time for Luke Beveridge to draw a line in the sand, and prioritise selection integrity and the trust of his hardworking and deserving footballers, similar to the catalyst of Ugle Hagan’s career when he was not selected to debut until Round 17 of his debut season.

The burning question at this moment is if not at The Kennel, where does the young forward reside as he is only contracted until the end of 2026. This angle has been reported in the last twenty-four hours after  Collingwood great Tony Shaw’s comments urging his club to “take a chance on him” yesterday. 

If the Bulldogs explore the option of moving the star on, there will be several clubs other than Collingwood suiting for the opportunity to take the chance on this young man, with marveling potential.

At this point, change seems to be likely. Whether that be externally; being traded at the end of the 2025 season, or a change, a strong one at that internally, with the conduct of Ugle Hagan and the rehabilitation of his relationships with coaches, teammates and the supporter base. 

Whichever way the ball bounces, the versatile young forward remains at this stage; paramount to the success of the Western Bulldogs and in turn igniting one of the most talented lists in the AFL to winning glory.