‘Not anywhere close’: Western Bulldogs chief executive speaks out
The ongoing saga surrounding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and the Western Bulldogs continues to fester with a club boss speaking out.
The Western Bulldogs have moved to shut down suggestions the club could be set to part ways with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
The 23-year-old former No. 1 draft pick has not played so far in 2025 and remains on a flexible training program because of personal issues.
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Rumours have continued to swirl as the situation continues to deteriorate between the star player and the club.
While many former AFL greats have called for the club to cut ties with the key forward, club chief executive Ameet Bains says those plans haven’t factored in for the Dogs.
“I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that point, that’s not occupying any of our thoughts. There’s often a rush for final judgement on this,” Bains said of Ugle-Hagan’s future on SEN radio.
“We’ve only just completed six rounds, ‘Mara’ is contracted until the end of next year. Our focus is very much on supporting him from a medical perspective and helping him get to where he needs to go to.
“We need to ensure he’s doing absolutely everything he needs to help himself, that’s part of the juggle and challenge.
“Football is a fair way off at this point in time and not a consideration for us at all.
“We’ve got a young 23-year old man dealing with complex personal challenges. Our only concern right now is supporting him and assisting him with his health and wellbeing.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week said Ugle-Hagan’s future was in the hands of the AFL, Bains moved to clarify those remarks.
“Having the support from the AFL medical team to really assist him in a way the club isn’t able to do, given it’s recourse availability and everything they have expertise-wise in this space,” the Dogs chief added.
“Within that are different milestones and new conversations around how we continue to support Jamarra. That’s part of what Bevo was referring to last week.”
Ugle-Hagan has come under increasing scrutiny as his absence from the playing field continues to drag on.
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt proclaimed the club is better off without the young star, while AFL supremo Eddie McGuire blasted the 23-year-old over his social media activity.
Ugle-Hagan was reportedly told to “stop posting” in the wake of him missing the club’s centenary celebration in late March.
He has continued to ignore those requests which left McGuire seeing red.
“He’s not making life any easier for himself by being, let’s be honest, petulant and ridiculous and stupid and sending this thing out when he’s getting paid, what? $700,000 (per year),” McGuire said on Channel 9’s Footy Classified.
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