Jamarra Ugle-Hagan running out of time to make Bulldogs VFL return

Even as the VFL clears Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to play in Footscray’s finals campaign, the Bulldogs have admitted time is running out for the star forward to do enough to play in 2025.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s chances of being seen at any level are fading fast even as the VFL clears a path for him to be available for Footscray’s finals campaign.

Dogs chief executive Ameet Bains has admitted “time is running out” for Ugle-Hagan to make a return through the VFL given his inability to put together a concerted block of training.

Bains spoke to Ugle-Hagan on Friday in person and says the door is still open for him to return through the VFL.

But that decision is also complex given it would require the AFL’s tick-off as Ugle-Hagan continues to work with the AFL and football boss Laura Kane with his program.

He is now at incredibly long odds to play any football at any level this year.

Ugle-Hagan still has work to do in order to play in 2025. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

There are only three VFL games left in the season but the Footscray side will play finals.

Under VFL rules Ugle-Hagan would normally have to have participated in at least one AFL or VFL game to qualify for the VFL finals.

But he would likely receive special dispensation if the Dogs put in a submission to the VFL under compelling grounds.

He spent two weeks away from the club recently with a family bereavement and the flu but at his best has sparkled on the training track as he continues to work on his fitness.

The club’s position has been that he must put together a consistent block of training to ensure he is ready for the rigours of football.

But if he cannot get out on the track amid continuing controversy over off-field issues – including his car being used in a crime spree – he will likely have played his last game at the club.

No one at the Western Bulldogs has hope that he will be at the club next year, even with a contract of more than $800,000 for 2026.

“Our approach hasn’t changed across the year – for him to continue to train and prepare with a view so he can play before the year is out,” Bains said.

“We understand time is running out from where we are calendar-wise but there has been no decision made on that. I spoke to him today in person and his mindset is very much the same. Time will tell but the approach remains the same. It is very complex, so from that perspective it’s been challenging for everyone.”

Bains said the club had no issues with club legend Chris Grant, who moved on as football boss after a fallout with coach Luke Beveridge.

He was a no-show at the recent centenary celebration but his daughter Isabella plays AFLW for the club so he continues to be involved at Whitten Oval.

“I am sure that will resolve naturally,” Bains told SEN.

“Chris is a legend of the footy club. He was No.3 all-time behind Marcus Bontempelli and EJ Whitten. He is always welcome. He is a player parent so we will see him around the club as the AFL season kicks off and beyond that he’s always welcome.”

Originally published as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan running out of time to make Bulldogs VFL return