‘James Hird Issues Stark Warning on Fragile Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Scenario: ‘No Turning Back”

Former Essendon coach James Hird has delivered a grim evaluation of the precarious position facing ailing Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, raising concerns that there may be “no way back” for the former number one AFL draft selection at Whitten Oval.

On Monday night, Sam McClure revealed on Nine’s Footy Classified that Ugle-Hagan needs to mend his relationships with three pivotal individuals — coach Luke Beveridge, captain Marcus Bontempelli, and senior player Rory Lobb — if he hopes to regain his place in the AFL team at the Dogs.

This revelation, which Eddie McGuire supported on Footy Classified the following night, led Hird to express a very bleak outlook.

The former Bombers coach made his return to football media on Tuesday’s edition of Footy Classified, joining McGuire and ex-Adelaide captain Rory Sloane.

“If you’ve lost the trust of both the coach and the captain, it seems there’s no turning back,” Hird remarked.

“You might manage to keep the coach’s trust while the captain backs you. But if you’ve alienated both, it’s a daunting task … Trust is paramount … If you’ve consistently broken that trust, I struggle to see a way back.”

In recent weeks, there have been persistent rumours surrounding Ugle-Hagan’s inability to meet the professionalism expected by the Bulldogs.

McGuire also reinforced these concerns regarding the 22-year-old, who was drafted first overall in 2020 but has only intermittently showcased the extraordinary talent many anticipated.

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“Last year during the finals, he was out and about before the Western Bulldogs faced Hawthorn in an elimination final. He only managed four touches in that match,” McGuire noted.

“The coach and captain were both extremely frustrated with him.

“He’s also had quite the tumultuous summer off the field.

“Some have suggested that perhaps a red rope should be placed out the front of Whitten Oval to ensure he shows up.”

McClure noted on Monday night that Ugle-Hagan had “trained fully” over the last three weeks. However, he indicated that the issues with Beveridge, Bontempelli, and Lobb meant that Ugle-Hagan’s physical fitness was not his sole hurdle.

As the Bulldogs gear up to commence their premiership campaign against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night, it’s almost certain that Ugle-Hagan won’t be stepping onto the field.

“I’m being tough on him,” McGuire added, “because I have always admired Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and it pains me to see a young talent squandering an opportunity that may never come again.”