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Sport Nation
The advice that Simpson would pass onto Bevo regarding Jamarra
Nicholas Quinlan • May 4th, 2025 12:30 pm
Adam Simpson has used his own experience at West Coast to give an explanation of what Luke Beveridge is going through with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
This story surrounding the former number one pick has been one of the most followed throughout the season as he has not returned to the field due to personal issues.
Ugle-Hagan is now on personal leave for an indefinite period.
Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time, Simpson is surprised that is gotten to this stage for Ugle-Hagan and the Bulldogs.
“I’m in a bit of shock in terms of where this has gone,” Simpson stated.
“From a coaching point of view, it’s out of Bevo’s hands, has been for a long time, he can’t control (that), he’s got a job to do and he has to move on to the reality of now.
“From a list management point of view, that’s a broader discussion that needs to be had as well.
“The ball is in his (Jamarra’s) court, isn’t it? As to whether he wants to come back. It feels like that’s where it’s at.
“(And) it is difficult to handle when you’re trying to coach a side.”
Given the amount of speculation this has placed on the Western Bulldogs, there are concerns about how this affects the other players on the list.
Sam Edmund believes that the players would likely be split on the issue but recognises the need for the club to re-focus itself.
“There's a duty of care of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan but there’s a duty of care for the other 43 on the list,” Edmund added.
“It’s hard to summarise the thoughts of an entire playing group but, there are certainly portions in that group that have well and truly had enough of the situation.
“And the time is now for this club, they’ve got to get back to business.”
Simpson reflected on his time as West Coast coach when he had to help deal with the Willie Rioli suspension.
Rioli was suspended for two years between 2019 and 2021 when the forward tested positive for cannabis and allegedly tampering with his samples by the AFL anti-doping tribunal.
Reflecting on the event, Simpson noted the difference between the two situations but identified the need for the coach to speak with the players to ensure he knew where they were at with the situation.
“The closest we went with this was probably Willie Rioli when he had a year off,” Simpson explained.
“Dealing with something where you’ve got to meet with the whole group on a Tuesday to discuss a player and how do we feel and getting the feedback.
“And the room is always divided. There’s support, there’s nup let’s just move on, there’s frustrations, there’s empathy.
“And it just takes energy.
“I would have thought that they had those conversations pre-season, maybe early in the year and at a certain point where Bevo goes there’s no more meetings; This is what we are doing and we’re going this way.
“And I’m sure that’s happened.”
