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AFL great Nick Riewoldt tells Western Bulldogs to axe troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan after shocking social media comment comes to light Has been on personal leave from the club since the pre-season Courted controversy by attending other sports and not Bulldogs games Latest Instagram gaffe is the final straw for Saints legend By JOSH ALSTON FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 08:18, 8 April 2025 | Updated: 08:26, 8 April 2025 e-mail View comments AFL great Nick Riewoldt has urged the Western Bulldogs to part ways with forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan following a controversial social media comment that reignited questions about his future at the club. The 23-year-old, who has been training away from the senior group under a flexible arrangement since December 2024 , came under fresh scrutiny after an Instagram exchange over the weekend. Ugle-Hagan shared a photo of himself celebrating his birthday at dinner with friends.
When a follower asked if he had trained that day or had the day off, Ugle-Hagan replied, 'Rest day at ur mums joint.' The post was discussed on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, where panellist Craig Hutchison labelled the response inappropriate. 'This picture didn't help again on the weekend,' Hutchison said.
'He commented inappropriately to someone on Instagram.' "I think it's clear for the Western Bulldogs now ..
. you don't need Jamarra." Nick Riewoldt on the Ugle-Hagan situation at Whitten Oval 👇 pic.
twitter.com/sa1TKTPNeO — 7AFL (@7AFL) April 7, 2025 Ugle-Hagan shared this image out with friends in the latest bad look for the Western Bulldogs star who has yet to play for the club this year Ugle-Hagan was asked by a follower if he been at training and returned fire with a crass reply The comment sparked a strong reaction from Riewoldt, who said the Bulldogs must now make a decisive move. 'I think it's clear for the Western Bulldogs now.
It is crystal clear,' Riewoldt said. 'You've got one of the best young key forwards we might see for a long, long, long time. A generational talent in Sam Darcy.
You don't need Jamarra.' Riewoldt argued that while Ugle-Hagan still had potential value, the club would be better off planning a future without him. 'So I would do everything I can to fatten him up this year.
That means getting him back at some point to play some footy. Hopefully he kicks a bag,' he said. 'It's not looking good, but he only needs to get back at some point to show what he's capable of for a game or two and then extract maximum value for him.
' 'Because you don't need him. Sam Darcy needs a Brody Mihocek beside him or a Taylor Walker.' Ugle-Hagan has not played since the Bulldogs' 37-point elimination final loss to Hawthorn in late 2024, where he finished with just four disposals, one behind, and no goals.
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt said that the Bulldogs should cut ties with Ugle-Hagan at the end of the year It comes after a series of appearances at other sporting events and in bars with no timeframe offered on his return (Ugle-Hagan is pictured with boxer Tim Tszyu) Riewoldt thinks the Western Bulldogs should focus on the development of young gun Sam Darcy (pictured) He was granted leave from the club in December to focus on personal issues and began training separately from the main squad. Despite some signs of progress, his off-field behaviour has continued to raise eyebrows. In February 2025, Ugle-Hagan played in the Indigenous All Stars match in Perth, and by March had rejoined the Bulldogs' VFL training group before reconnecting with the senior team.
Coach Luke Beveridge recently said Ugle-Hagan was making positive strides. 'He's chipping away, 'Marra', so that's encouraging,' Beveridge said. 'The more he can be involved in these main sessions .
.. he looked really good the other day, the closer he gets to playing.
' However, his commitment has been questioned after a series of public appearances during the AFL season. In March, he was seen courtside at an NBL final, attending an NRL match, and later photographed at a Melbourne bar on the same night the Bulldogs celebrated their 100-year anniversary against Collingwood - a game he did not attend. A week later, he was present at Marvel Stadium for the Bulldogs' clash with Carlton, mingling with fans during halftime.
Speculation about his future has continued, with clubs like the Sydney Swans and St Kilda reportedly interested in securing the young forward. Still, Ugle-Hagan remains without a timeline to return to senior footy, and the Bulldogs face a difficult decision. Instagram Western Bulldogs AFL Share or comment on this article: AFL great Nick Riewoldt tells Western Bulldogs to axe troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan after shocking social media comment comes to light e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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