Gold Coast have completed the surprise signing of Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for just pick No. 74, sealing one of the most eyebrow-raising trades of the period.
The 23-year-old did not feature at all this season after taking time away from the game to deal with personal issues, but remains one of the league’s most naturally gifted attacking talents.
Ugle-Hagan’s best came only a year ago, when he booted a career-high 43 goals in 2024 to take his overall tally to 103 from 67 games. The Bulldogs’ decision to part ways for such a modest return reflects both the uncertainty around his readiness to return and Gold Coast’s willingness to take a calculated gamble.
Suns back their belief in “extraordinary talent”
Gold Coast list manager Craig Cameron said the club was fully aware of the challenges ahead but confident in the player’s potential to thrive again. “We think he's an extraordinary talent,” Cameron said last week.
“We've got eyes wide open that he's got to get through a lot of stuff to get back to that level. But we think he'd be better playing football, better for him, and we think he can contribute to our football club.”
Ugle-Hagan is expected to slot into the Suns’ forward mix alongside Ben King, Ethan Read and Jed Walter, a tantalising setup if he can rediscover his 2024 form. For a pick so low it almost feels symbolic, Gold Coast might just have secured the bargain of the trade window.