AFL legend James Hird has voiced his disapproval of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan after the young forward’s “unacceptable” choice to miss a Western Bulldogs match.
The sidelined player was absent during his team’s hard-fought defeat to Collingwood at the MCG on Friday evening, despite being seen out and about in Melbourne earlier in the week.
Ugle-Hagan attended an NBL finals game on Wednesday and was spotted in the crowd for the NRL grand final rematch between the Storm and Panthers on Thursday.
However, as reported by Nine’s Tom Morris on Footy Furnace, the 22-year-old chose not to support the Bulldogs during their 100th-anniversary celebration game, instead opting for a night out at the Brighton Beach Hotel.
Hird expressed his disbelief at Ugle-Hagan’s absence and questioned the reasoning behind the young talent not showing up to encourage his teammates.
James Hird has responded to Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s decision. Getty/Nine
“I’m baffled,” the former Essendon player and coach remarked.
“He attended the NBL on Wednesday and the NRL on Thursday in Melbourne, yet skipped the Bulldogs match on Friday? That’s quite odd.
“It’s unacceptable — I had no idea he chose to do that. One would assume that watching your teammates would be the priority.
“I can’t fathom a player not showing up to support his team, unless they are unwell.”
Ugle-Hagan has yet to play for the Bulldogs this season and had only recently started training with the squad, raising concerns regarding his future at Whitten Oval.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is set to appear on Nine’s Footy Classified this week, and Hird believes it might be time to seek clarification on the situation surrounding the troubled player.
“With the coach on Tuesday night, perhaps we should ask him,” he suggested.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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