Outsider Odds of 100-1: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Likely to Make a Move During Continued Absence

AFL legend David King has expressed his belief that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s chances of staying with the Western Bulldogs are “100 to one,” especially given his ongoing absence from the team.

The highly-rated former No.1 draft pick has spent a significant portion of the pre-season out of action, with the club noting that he is currently “undertaking flexible training arrangements.”

Ugle-Hagan will not be part of the squad for their season opener next month, and according to Nine’s Tom Morris, there are growing concerns about a possible long-term sidelining.

The 22-year-old was in Perth last week as part of the Indigenous All Stars camp, opting to join that rather than participating in the Bulldogs’ trial match in Queensland.

While appearing on SEN Radio, King speculated on a possible scenario where Ugle-Hagan could join the Sydney Swans, which may enable another star currently with the Swans to leave.

“I think Ugle-Hagan has little chance—100 to one—of being with the Bulldogs next year,” King remarked. “I’ll make an early prediction here: if Chad Warner departs from the Swans, they could secure a substantial draft pick and use that to bring Jamarra to Sydney.”

“That’s just my initial hunch. It appears that the group has lost considerable trust in Jamarra, and it’s going to take a significant amount of time to get him back to being AFL-ready.”

“He undoubtedly possesses the ability to play at this level, but can he reach the same standards as those who have been training solidly for six months? You can’t just rush him back into the mix.”

Ugle-Hagan is viewed as one of the most promising young stars in the league, having scored 103 goals in 67 matches since he was drafted by the Bulldogs five years ago.

While speculation around his future persists, some still hold hope that Ugle-Hagan can resolve his issues with the club and continue to wear the Bulldogs’ blue and red for years to come.

“There are plenty of matters to sort out, but I don’t think the connection between Jamarra and the Bulldogs is entirely beyond repair,” journalist Mitch Cleary mentioned on SEN.

Ugle-Hagan’s teammates kick off their campaign against North Melbourne on March 15.