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Find your Sport Nation frequencyUgle-Hagan future in AFL’s hands, says Beveridge
Andrew Slevison • April 17th, 2025 3:05 pm
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the future of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is in the hands of the AFL.
The 23-year-old has not played for the Bulldogs in 2025 because of personal issues and it appears unlikely he’ll be returning anytime soon.
Recently there has been plenty of commentary surrounding Ugle-Hagan’s situation with some key footy identities suggesting he perhaps should be stood down.
According to Beveridge, it won’t be the Dogs making a call on the former No.1 draft pick, it will be the AFL.
“At the moment the decision-making in regards to ‘Marra’s future and what that entails is significantly in the AFL’s hands,” Beveridge said.
“We’re waiting on them to do certain things and we’re continually interacting with them and working through it to work out what’s best for ‘Marra.
“My focus is absolutely, totally on the group that’s here
“Sometimes he’s here, sometimes he’s not. If he is and he isn’t, it’s not worth talking about. If he is and he joins in, we carry on.
“But because he’s not currently available for selection, it’s not at the forefront of my mind.
“It’s just making sure that the group who are playing are ready to go.”
More social media videos of Ugle-Hagan emerged over the weekend including “vulgar” language while he was out drinking with friends.
His antics were discussed on Channel 7’s the Agenda Setters, with St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt condemning his behaviour.
Craig Hutchison said: “Why are we here? Where does the line begin and end?”
Caroline Wilson said: “It’s a disaster, isn’t it Nick.”
Riewoldt said: “It’s a complete disaster.
“This is a beautiful segue out of the Mathew Stokes article, is there can be legitimate reasons, but when you’re behaving the way Jamarra is I think you forfeit all rights.
“The issue is there is no mechanism for clubs to be protected. And not just the clubs but the players. Your teammates who are actually fronting up day after day and doing the work for the cause, and you’ve got a teammate that is not buying in and is still taking five or six, seven per cent of the salary cap with no recourse from the football club.
“I hope whoever the new AFLPA CEO is doesn’t just fight for the one per cent, they actually fight for the majority that do the work. (They are) fighting for the wrong side — fight for the players that do the work and not the ones that take the p--s.”
Kane Cornes added: “The Western Bulldogs should stand him down for the rest of the year. This has gone on for too long.”
The 3-2 Dogs next meet the Saints at Marvel Stadium this Sunday night.
