Western Bulldogs recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan bashing down door for AFL debut

Western Bulldogs recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is bashing down the door for an AFL debut following “a day out” against Collingwood.

Western Bulldogs recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is bashing down the door for an AFL debut following an impressive VFL performance on Friday.

Facing Collingwood in a practice match at Olympic Park, last year’s No. 1 Draft pick kicked five goals in just three quarters, the tall forward also contributing to a cluster of other majors in the nine-point loss.

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Several AFL pundits have dubbed Ugle-Hagan “Buddy Franklin 2.0”, with the 18-year-old conceding he modelled his football career on the Sydney Swans star.

Having a day out Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The No. 1 pick has kicked a bag. How long before we see him in the AFL side? https://t.co/y7r2OTeD7x

— Jay Clark (@ClarkyHeraldSun) March 19, 2021

Jamarra just kicked his fifth in the VFL and I'm getting a bit bloody excited about the kid! #MightyWest@FootscrayVFL@westernbulldogs

— Adam Hill (@adamhillmedia) March 19, 2021

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There were 16 AFL-listed players in the Bulldogs’ VFL line-up, including premiership captain Easton Wood — who is recovering from a hamstring injury — and 2016 North Smith medallist Jason Johannisen.

Johannisen was dumped ahead of Friday’s highly-anticipated season opener at the MCG, listed as the team’s fourth emergency after losing his spot on the halfback line to Taylor Duryea.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs.

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Bulldogs midfielder Ed Richards suffered a nasty ankle injury during the practice match, stretchered off the ground holding his lower right leg — the 21-year-old was later taken for scans.

Meanwhile, Collingwood’s Nick Daicos — son of Pies legend Peter — impressed in the halfback position, and remains in contention for a top selection at this year’s AFL Draft.

AFL reporter Callum Twomey tweeted: “One quarter into VFL praccy match and it’s easy to see the hype around Nick Daicos. The Collingwood father-son draft prospect has done some eye-catching thing.”

The Age’s Daniel Cherny posted: “One day we will laugh about the time Nick Daicos played against Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in the magoos.”