‘This is big’: AFL rocked by Jamarra Ugle-Hagan news

Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been tossed into uncertainty with a report claiming a big move is happening behind closed doors.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Photo by Michael Klein.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s future has been tossed further into uncertainty with Hawthorn reportedly entering the race to sign the former No. 1 draft pick.

Ugle-Hagan’s future in October emerged as a major domino in future trade discussions after it was first reported the Swans were preparing a big-money offer to make him the next Lance Franklin.

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Now another cashed-up club is preparing to enter the race, according to Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary.

“This is big. And right now Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the most in-demand forward in the competition,” Cleary said on Seven’s Talking Footy on Wednesday night.

“Many believe this is the year he’s going to explode in the competition. Right now the Dogs are extremely confident that he will re-sign and that they are in a good place.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be getting paid. Photo by Michael Klein.

“But tonight Hawthorn has entered the race to sign Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. We know that they’re after a key back. They’re also after a key forward and they have salary cap space.

“They went after Todd Marshall in recent times. They went after Ben King. They missed out on Aaron Naughton as well. The Hawks are very much in the race for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.”

The Swans were also in the race to sign Naughton last year, however, a conspiracy theory emerged the club was only trying to force the Bulldogs to use up more salary cap space so that Ugle-Hagan is squeezed out.

The 21-year-old Ugle-Hagan had 35 goals and 35 behinds in 23 games during the 2023 season.

St Kilda great Nick Dal Santo said last year he believes Ugle-Hagan’s management will be preparing to demand a record contract, chasing the $11 million, 10-year deal Naughton was offered.

It’s a big year for the former No. 1 pick. Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images.

But Leigh Montagna said last year with the rise in the salary cap: “I think there’s no reason why he (Ugle-Hagan) won’t be the highest paid player or get the biggest deal we’ve ever seen in AFL history next year.”

He expects it to be a long-term deal on $1.5m a season.

Ugle-Hagan in November addressed his contract talks.

Speaking to 7NEWS, Ugle-Hagan said he wanted to repay the faith the Bulldogs had shown him since his teenage years, as a member of the club’s Next Generation Academy.

“I love the Dogs – they’ve obviously looked after me since I was 15,” he said.

“I always love to give back to the club.

“We’ve got such a good opportunity to win a couple of flags together.

“We’ve got a really talented list. Definitely stay at the Dogs.”

Originally published as ‘This is big’: AFL rocked by Jamarra Ugle-Hagan news