The Western Bulldogs have decided the time is right for prized No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to finally make his AFL debut.
The prodigiously-talented key forward has been unable to force his way into the senior line-up this year with the Bulldogs sitting atop the ladder.
But an injury to gun key forward Aaron Naughton has created an opening and Ugle-Hagan will play in Sunday’s clash with Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
The 19-year-old has kicked 13 goals in seven games for Footscray in the VFL this year.
An academy prospect at the Bulldogs, Ugle-Hagan became the top pick in last year’s draft after the club matched Adelaide’s bid for him.
Ugle-Hagan was the first Indigenous No.1 draft pick since Des Headland in 1998.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has constantly fielded questions about Ugle-Hagan and when the club’s young gun will play.
Beveridge has been eager to protect Ugle-Hagan, who has been compared to Swans superstar Lance Franklin, from added scrutiny.
“That’s my drive to protect our players and Jamarra, as a young Indigenous man who’s been involved with our club for a while now,” Beveridge said in May.
“I obviously got a little bit testy after the game because it is an ongoing commentary and I suppose I’m sensitive to continuing to talk about Marra.”
Ugle-Hagan grew up idolising Franklin and will now get to play on the same field as the legendary forward, who is only 24 goals away from the magical 1000 mark.
He will be the Bulldogs’ sixth debutant this year, joining Anthony Scott, Lachie McNeil, Jordon Sweet, Buku Khamis and Riley Garcia.
The young forward has already been rumoured to be considering a move elsewhere after being made to wait for his first game.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Look forward to sitting down and watching this game with my Swans supporting family..... Hopefully I can cheer Marra a couple of times just to annoy them all.
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
Plenty of clubs have had number 1 draft picks - few have developed them well. Geelong have been the best at developing talent that has fallen in their lap. But St Kilda, Carlton, Melbourne (until recently), Collingwood have not been able to develop father/son or high draft picks. Could Bruce be a fit at Collingwood or Hawthorn?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Father/son He’ll be a dog for life like his dad & his dad before him!
berrlins
Roar Pro
I think we'll draft Darcy before Essendon get a run at him, but we shall see :)
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Sam Darcy 205cm Could be the back we have been looking for
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Yea l know
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Eh we will take Sam Darcy then. We either get JUH or we take Sam Darcy.
berrlins
Roar Pro
:laughing: :laughing: I don't think the Don's have the draft capital for him Chuck.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Dunks was a father son not an academy pick.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
He will look good on bombers colours next year.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Well Macca tell the boys to produce some AFL standard kids to represent your club. The dogs have a treasure trove of them plus we have another in Dunkley that SWans decided not to take.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Recruiting is pretty easy when you get given number 1 draft picks for second round picks. :sick:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Top stuff Jamarra. Bulldogs bright forward future Naughton 21 Jamarra19 Darcy18
Ace
Roar Rookie
Will be interesting
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Another highlight of what should be a great Bulldogs Swans clash