In a storm of controversy surrounding the Western Bulldogs' centenary game, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has come under fire for choosing not to attend the historic event held on March 21, 2025. While his teammates faced off against Collingwood at the MCG in a thrilling match that ultimately ended in a narrow six-point defeat, Ugle-Hagan was reportedly enjoying a night out at Brighton Beach Hotel, raising eyebrows and questions about his commitment to the team.
The occasion marked the Bulldogs' 100th anniversary of their first VFL game, and attending such a significant event would seemingly have been a priority for any member of the team. Yet, Ugle-Hagan's whereabouts on that fateful evening—instead of being there to cheer on his teammates—has drawn stern criticism from prominent figures in the AFL, most notably from Essendon great James Hird.
During a segment on Nine's Footy Furnace, Hird remarked, "It's unacceptable and I didn't know he did that. You would think the most important thing is to go and watch your teammates. I can't imagine a player not going to watch his teammates unless he's ill." Hird’s disbelief reflects a broader sentiment among fans and commentators, who struggle to understand why Ugle-Hagan would prioritize a night out over an important milestone for his club.
Just days before the game, Ugle-Hagan had also chosen to attend a National Basketball League (NBL) finals match on March 19 and an NRL grand final replay between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers the following evening. His absence from the Bulldogs’ pivotal game has not only raised questions about his professionalism but has also amplified concerns regarding his future with the team.
Speculation had already been swirling about Ugle-Hagan’s place in the squad amid reports of personal struggles that sidelined him from the 2025 season. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted that he wasn’t even sure if Ugle-Hagan would return to play this year, stating, "I can’t answer that definitively... we are hoping." This uncertainty reflects the ongoing challenges Ugle-Hagan faces in balancing personal issues with the expectations of playing in the fiercely competitive AFL.
Furthermore, interest from rival clubs is brewing. Herald Sun chief football reporter Jay Clark indicated that while Ugle-Hagan's contract runs through to 2026, the Sydney Swans are "in the box seat" to potentially acquire him, as they look to strengthen their roster. Clark stated, "I’m not convinced he is staying at the Western Bulldogs, and Sydney, for mine, is the club that’s in the box seat." Dual premiership Kangaroos great David King echoed similar sentiments, declaring, "Before this list really goes bang, they need to try and secure someone, and I reckon he’s 100-1 to be at the Dogs next year."
Amid this situation, the Bulldogs’ performance has not gone unnoticed. Despite missing several key players, including stars like Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar, a young Sam Darcy emerged as a key performer, scoring four goals against Collingwood and hinting at a promising future.
It becomes clear that Ugle-Hagan's actions have not just affected his reputation; they have implications for the entire Bulldogs team. As the squad navigates the complexities of injuries and personal challenges, Ugle-Hagan's support—or lack thereof—of his teammates on such an important occasion may have lasting effects on his relationship with the club.
Beveridge aptly summed up the current climate of emotional and team dynamics, underscoring the need for cohesion: "You’ve got to make sure that the boys playing feel like they’re valued and they’re not just warming a seat for someone else to come and take it.” These sentiments resonate strongly within the Bulldogs camp, as they strive to reconcile Ugle-Hagan’s turbulent situation with their own ambitions in the 2025 season.
Moving forward, the circumstances surrounding Ugle-Hagan are critical for both him and the Bulldogs as they seek to maintain their integrity and competitiveness. His decision to skip the centenary match may have sealed his fate at the club, igniting discussions about his future in the midst of ongoing scrutiny. For Bulldogs fans, seeing their once-celebrated forward wander down a path of uncertainty raises difficult questions about loyalty and team spirit—a duel no athlete wants to face.
