Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan trains with Indigenous All-Stars
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has taken positive steps toward an early-season AFL return, stepping out for a training session with the Indigenous All-Stars in Perth.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Western Bulldogs superstar Jamarra Ugle-Hagan trained with the Indigenous All Stars team on Friday in a big step towards his return to the top level.
The key forward was embraced by teammates and fans in attendance at the All Stars captain’s run at Optus Stadium after accepting a non-playing role with the side.
The 22-year-old was one of the first players to hit the track, embracing Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett before lining up for some barrel shots on goal.
Ugle-Hagan also shared a kick with North Melbourne midfielder Jy Simpkin and ran laps with Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper when the rest of the squad returned inside for their final preparations.
Ugle-Hagan was showered with praise as he ran past hundreds of fans, one passionate punter heard yelling out ‘come back soon Jamarra!’ Ugle-Hagan was eventually coaxed to the fence where he signed autographs and took photos with fans.
The key forward has missed the majority of pre-season due to personal reasons and has been ruled out of round one.
But Ugle-Hagan proved that he hasn’t lost any of his natural ability, nailing a few long range shots on goal and controlling the footy like a basketball in between one drill. Ugle-Hagan also lined up on Joel Hamling during a brief period of match simulation and worked hard back to goal.
Indigenous All Stars coach Xavier Clarke said that Ugle-Hagan’s main role this weekend was to embrace the experience.
“It’s been well documented Jamarra’s journey over the last couple months,” he said. “These things don’t come around very often so it’s important for us as a community and brothers to be able to wrap our arms around him and get him around our group.
“If that helps him get back and do what he loves doing and that’s playing AFL footy. If we can play a part in that, that’s only a good thing.
“If he’s sitting at home watching the game, I’d rather have him here with us. It’s great to see him. It looks like he’s in great spirits and I’ve got no doubt he’ll be back to where he needs to be in no time.”
Fremantle pair Michael Walters (knee) and Shai Bolton (calf) will be on managed minutes for the clash as they return from injury. The pair will both play around a half of football.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said it’s “not ideal” to have two of his players playing for the opposition but Fremantle would treat their opponent with the upmost respect.
“We only have two games against opposition leading into round one but there’s a bigger picture here,” Longmuir said. “It’s a really important stepping stone in our preparations for round one but it’s also a really important legacy piece to inspire the next generation.
“It’s been missing from the calendar for too long. It’s great that it’s reinvigorated now and hopefully both teams can show tomorrow that it’s a worthwhile event we can have every year or every second year.
“This replaces one of our games so we’re going to treat it really seriously. It’s a dress rehearsal (for round one).”
Clarke said managing the requirements of each player’s program was an important consideration for the All Stars.
“We understand the game is really important,” he said. “We want to put on a good show but at the same time, we know that players want to set themselves up for a good season.”
Walters, who will captain the All Stars, said it had always been a dream of his to play for the side.
“It’s one of those games that I’ve always wanted to be a part of,” he said. “In 2013 and 2015, I was so close but I got injured just at the line.
“I’m excited and looking forward to playing against my team. To be part of this is incredible.”
Originally published as Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan trains with Indigenous All-Stars
Star Crows recruit’s leading role in Rachele resurgence revealed
Josh Rachele’s resurgence continues to gather steam and the role one of Adelaide’s key off-season recruits has played has been revealed. Plus, the latest on Sid Draper and Dan Curtin.
Every Eagle rated: You’d be ‘crazy’ to think this rising star will regress
Andrew McQualter has a sizeable task in his first year at West Coast. Will his players sink or swim? GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH have their say.
Radio, farmers, fishermen: Where are all 86 2000 debutants now?
In 2000, 86 young - and some not so young - men graced an AFL field for the first time. 25 years on, where are they now? Find out where all 86 are in 2025.
Back from the brink: How jiu-jitsu saved footy’s ‘Etihad specialist’
Sean Tighe hit rock bottom. Then in the depths of the toughest time of his life, the former VFL star was challenged to take up jiu jitsu. PAUL AMY finds out how the gruelling sport has changed — and saved — Tighe.
Gray the great: Modern champ headlines Port’s HOF inductees
He just about it achieved it all for Port Adelaide — now Robbie Gray’s name has been enshrined in the club’s history as one of the latest Hall of Fame inductees. See the full list here.
Track watch: Key Crows SuperCoach intel from Port Pirie
Plenty scoffed when Matthew Nicks said Josh Rachele was having the best pre-season he’d ever seen a player have. But as SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON reports, Nicks wasn’t exaggerating. See his track notes from Port Pirie here.