Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Bulldogs future still up in the air – but answer coming

Sayantan Guha

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Bulldogs future still up in the air – but answer coming image

The Western Bulldogs remain in the dark over Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s future, with the forward the only senior player yet to complete his exit meeting as the club moves into its off-season review.

Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, Ugle-Hagan’s career is far from secure, with the 22-year-old still bound by the AFL’s management plan.

That program has prevented him from returning to football and continues to cast doubt over his path back to the top level.

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Contract in place, but future clouded

SEN’s chief reporter Sam Edmund told SEN Afternoons: “Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s future remains completely up in the air. The Western Bulldogs forward is still beholden to that AFL management plan, so as far as his playing future goes, he actually needs to be cleared to play, or to do anything. And as far as the league is concerned, that hasn’t happened yet.”

Ugle-Hagan has not been sighted at the Whitten Oval for weeks, instead training privately. Edmund added: “It is said that he is going okay welfare wise. In a good spot, nowhere near AFL level we’re told in terms of the preparedness to play… I just find it impossible to see him in Dogs colours next season.”

Coach Luke Beveridge earlier admitted he could not guarantee the forward’s future: “It remains to be seen… I’d love ‘Marra to be here if he’s at his best. Ultimately in an AFL program, you’ve got to be joining in all the time.”

A long-delayed exit meeting is expected to take place soon, potentially offering the clearest sign yet of whether Ugle-Hagan stays a Bulldog or moves on.

Sayantan Guha

Sayantan Guha is a content producer for The Sporting News working across English-language editions.