AFL: ‘He’s going to take time’: Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge on No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and all No.1 draft picks carry an extra burden of expectation, but his coach is calling for patience.

Relentless commentary about No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s progress continues to frustrate Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who is calling for patience.

There was more hype this summer about Ugle-Hagan, including from his teammates, as he prepares for his second season after playing five senior games last year.

But the 19-year-old was overlooked for the Dogs’ Community Series match against Brisbane at the weekend after an underwhelming practice match against Essendon.

Beveridge has consistently campaigned against high expectations on Ugle-Hagan early in his career, just because of his draft status.

“I yearn for an understanding of the position, the individual and what is expected in a role like that and how long it takes,” the 2016 premiership coach told SEN.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is still a work in progress as he enters his second AFL season. Picture: Getty Images

“Let’s (look at) someone like Jack Riewoldt or Tom Hawkins and how long it took players who are now elite key forwards in the game. It’s not going to happen straight away and overnight.

“The hysteria around early draft picks (is out of control). We know when it’s an inside midfielder-type, like a Sam Walsh or Bailey Smith, or (Jason) Horne-Francis this year, the possibility that they really impact in their first year is very real.

“It’s less so with a young key forward. I think dumbing down the expectation would be nice before I have to smooth it out.

“I think it shows a lack of analytical prowess or understanding from the commentary if we’re asking for reasons why it’s not happening. People should just understand – the reasons are quite obvious.”

Beveridge restated that Ugle-Hagan was “going to take time” to become the type of player the Bulldogs hoped for when they matched Adelaide’s bid at No.1 in the 2020 AFL draft.

Coach Luke Beveridge is still trying to figure out the right combination in attack around star forward Aaron Naughton. Picture: Michael Klein

“The next aspect for him is to be totally ready to run four quarters of an AFL game and compete more often than not,” he said.

“He’s got a huge appetite for it and he’s been in the right spots at the right time, so hopefully as the season evolves, Jamarra can come to the fore and play some forward minutes down there.”

The Ugle-Hagan talking point comes as Beveridge admits he is still figuring out the right players to complement Aaron Naughton in attack.

The Bulldogs want Tim English to grab the No.1 ruck role this season but expect him to spend time forward as well, while the likes of Josh Schache and Ugle-Hagan compete for spots while Josh Bruce (ACL) recovers.

Beveridge also pointed to mid-sized option Mitch Hannan as another Bulldog who had a role to play aerially.