Track watch: Western Bulldogs’ injury news, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Sam Darcy, Aaron Naughton

The Western Bulldogs’ three talisman forwards have a date they will return to the track from injury, while the Dogs have been impressed with the form of fresh faces. See the full training notes.

The Western Bulldogs expect their three key forward pillars Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton to resume full training when the club resumes on January 9.

The trio have been on modified programs but have recently ramped up some of their work and will be right to go at the Bulldogs’ first training session for 2025 in three weeks.

Ugle-Hagan, Darcy and Naughton spent part of the club’s final training session for the year engaged in running sessions, though Darcy, who this week signed a new four-year-deal with the club, did participate in a few of the competitive drills.

The Bulldogs closed out 2024 with a strong three-hour session on Wednesday morning, which included four 12-minute quarters of match simulation that stood out for slick ball movement and plenty of energy and competitive work.

It was no surprise to see midfield stars Marcus Bontempelli – complete with zinc across his face – and Ed Richards dominate the match simulation section, wrenching the ball out of the centre with predictable regularity and pinpoint accuracy.

Marcus Bontempelli at Western Bulldogs pre-season training session. Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Bontempelli looked sharp as he alternated between the middle and the forward line, slotting home a few goals in the process.

Richards is coming off another big season in 2024 after being moved into the midfield and he seems certain to stay there on a permanent basis next year.

Ruckman Tim English, who signed a five-year deal to stay with the Bulldogs in August, had a challenging year but looks to have bulked up a bit in the upper body as he approaches 2025.

New Bulldog Matt Kennedy has been eased into pre-season in terms of his loads and he ran laps at stages on Wednesday, alongside Ugle-Hagan, and will be right to resume in January.

The Bulldogs have been impressed with how its 2024 draftees, most notably Luke Kennedy and Lachie Jaques, have settled into the program after less than a month with the club.

Jason Johannisen in action. Picture: David Crosling

Luke Beveridge on Wednesday. Picture: David Crosling

Jordan Croft, who had an injury-interrupted 2024 after being taken as a father-son selection, has shown some impressive signs, although winning a regular forward berth won’t be easy for a club with a range of key forwards.

Jason Johannisen has played only 28 games across the past three seasons, including only nine this year. While injuries have impacted on him, and others have passed him at times, the 32-year-old is working hard to try and win his half-back slot again.

It won’t be easy, given the Dogs’ range of players in that position, but he is determined to give it his best shot with a year remaining on a deal.

Tom Liberatore was vocal in revving up the young Bulldogs, Adam Treloar is being managed at the moment but will resume in January, and Rory Lobb will again take up a position in defence, a role that resurrected his career with the club in the second half of 2024.

PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED

JOEL FREIJAH

The young defender looks to have come back in great shape off the back of his 13 games on debut in 2024. Was rated above average for intercepts and intercept marks, he can expect far more game time with a smooth run with his body next year

RYLEY SANDERS

This is not an easy midfield to break into, but he had some solid cameo moments early in the season. Will likely play forward with some midfield minutes thrown in, but on the face of Wednesday’s match simulation, he will be in the frame for greater opportunities next year.

TOM LIBERATORE

Libba might be turning 33 next year, but he looks set for another big season. The most noteworthy factor of this midfield machine in recent years has been his vocal commitment to the group on the field. He was barking encouragement and advice throughout most of the session on Wednesday, centred particularly on the younger players.