AFL Media reporter Josh Gabelich maintains confidence in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s commitment to the Western Bulldogs, despite potential salary cap constraints. Reports surfaced on Wednesday via 7AFL’s Mitch Cleary suggesting Hawthorn’s interest in the former top draft pick.
Ugle-Hagan’s contract expires at season-end, with expectations high for a breakout year in 2024, likely leading to a substantial pay increase.
Gabelich noted Hawthorn’s aggressive pursuit, referencing previous attempts to secure players like Todd Marshall and Hayden McLean. However, the Bulldogs remain optimistic about retaining Ugle-Hagan, though the Aaron Naughton situation has tightened their salary cap.
While the club aims for Ugle-Hagan’s re-signing before Round 1, uncertainties persist regarding salary cap adjustments. Nevertheless, indications from Whitten Oval suggest Ugle-Hagan is content and primed for the upcoming season.
Gabelich expressed surprise if Ugle-Hagan were to depart and anticipates a potential re-signing in the first half of the season, acknowledging the club’s other contractual priorities with Tim English and Bailey Smith.
Kane Cornes agrees, suggesting Hawthorn would have to offer Ugle-Hagan significantly more than the Bulldogs to lure him 45 minutes down the road.
“It’s a great story. I wasn’t expecting it. I thought it would be Sydney, if he was to go anywhere,” Cornes said.
“Would the difference in dollars need to be? You pay half in tax on everything, so if it was an extra $200,000, you pay an extra $100,000 in tax for the hassle of moving away from a very good team to a rebuilding team, is it worth it? But if it’s $600,000 difference and we’re talking $800,000 to $1.4 million, which is not unrealistic, is that the sort of difference in salary that would have to convince him?
“I’d be surprised if he left as well. It would need to be that $600,000 difference in contract for him to seriously think about it.”
Ugle-Hagan booted four goals and took seven marks against the Hawks in his side’s dominant 57-point victory in the Community Series last weekend.
The Western Bulldogs take on Melbourne next weekend at the MCG to kick off their 2024 campaign.
