‘Dogs have lost all leverage’: JUH ‘write-off’ leaves one option to avoid ‘embarrassing’ outcome

As uncertainty continues to hang over the complex off-field situation of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, the Dogs are facing a tough reality.

Uncertainty continues to hover over the complex off-field situation of Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, with both his immediate and long-term playing future no clearer.

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Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan elaborated on Ugle-Hagan’s current status, after last week revealing the forward was nearly left out of the Bulldogs’ 2024 elimination final due to his state of mind.

“The problem we’ve got with Jamarra, is first of all — is he going to play (in 2025) or not?” Gullan said on Tuesday night.

“He’s got one year of a contract left, I think the Dogs have lost all leverage. Clubs are going to offer them a late first, or early second (round draft pick); that’s embarrassing. They’ve got to back this kid in, (and) maybe this year’s a write-off — just accept that.”

Questions over Ugle-Hagan’s long-term commitment to the club emerged after fellow Midweek Tackle panelist and Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph revealed Geelong are a potential suitor for the 22-year-old. 

Uncertainty continues to hang over Dogs star. Picture: Michael Klein

The Oakleigh Chargers product has been on a modified training program at Whitten Oval, as he continues to work towards a full-time return under Luke Beveridge. Speaking to AFL 360 on Monday night however, the premiership coach himself was also unable to make a call on whether Ugle-Hagan will play at all this season.

“They are putting everything around him, but he’s clearly not where he needs to be. People close to him to him are saying: ‘Do you want to do this?’” Gullan continued.

“He’s saying ‘yes I do (want to play)’, but it hasn’t added up to your actions after saying that.

“He’s not saying ‘this is all too hard’ … but he’s not doing everything that’s required — a part-time footballer.

“He think he’s fit enough to play now, (but at) the Bulldogs he’s lost trust. He’s not playing for two months probably (and) has to play in the VFL.”

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s actions aren’t adding up to his words. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ugle-Hagan didn’t join teammates for their January pre-season camp in Maroochydore, and was briefly sighted training with Footscray’s VFL side during the trip back in Melbourne.

The left-footer has played 67 AFL games across four seasons at ‘The Kennel’, kicking 103.88 in that time — including three five-goal hauls. He was tipped to heavily rise this season, alongside emerging star Sam Darcy up forward.

“There’s a trust factor with Luke (Beveridge), there’s a trust factor with his teammates to train hard,” Gullan ended by saying.

“We had the ‘Rat Pack’ at Collingwood, Buddy Franklin — they played hard off the field, but they still turned up and trained … Jamarra’s got it all upside down at the moment.”

Footscray play Collingwood this Friday night at the MCG, after defeating North Melbourne last Saturday in their season opener.

Originally published as ‘Dogs have lost all leverage’: JUH ‘write-off’ leaves one option to avoid ‘embarrassing’ outcome