List manager Sam Power emerges as frontrunner to replace Chris Grant as Bulldogs footy boss

Two months after Chris Grant stepped away from his role as Western Bulldogs footy boss, a frontrunner to replace him has emerged. Plus, the latest on young star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Western Bulldogs list manager Sam Power has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Chris Grant as the club’s executive football manager.

Power, 41, has stepped into the role in an interim capacity since Grant’s departure from the kennel two months ago.

While chief executive Ameet Bains does not return to the club until next week, the Dogs are expected to look to make an appointment before the start of the new season in March.

It is a big decision for the Dogs as they weigh up whether to extend the contract of coach Luke Beveridge beyond 2025.

Sam Power has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Chris Grant. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

The club is also managing a delicate situation involving star forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who is training away from the club due to personal issues and is in doubt to play round 1.

The Dogs are headed to Noosa for a pre-season camp next week in the hope Ugle-Hagan will join them ahead of the club’s match simulation against Essendon on February 15 at Whitten Oval.

Time is running out for Ugle-Hagan to be considered for the club’s AAMI Community Series game against Hawthorn on February 27 in Launceston.

Power is highly rated inside the club for his pragmatic list management and trade-time dealings, which helped lift the Dogs to the 2021 grand final.

Power, who played 123 games for the Dogs and Kangaroos, is currently working with football manager Matthew Egan, who helps deal with day-to-day football operations.

Power could continue to oversee the list management as part of his new role or look to appoint a new talent boss.

Charlie Gardiner has started work at Collingwood as the club’s new football manager after beating ex-Fremantle football manager Peter Bell for the role.