Hardwick Downplays Ugle-Hagan Debut Amidst Suns’ AFL Opener
Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has tempered expectations surrounding a potential AFL debut for highly touted recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in the club’s season-opener against Geelong. Ugle-Hagan, a former top draft pick from the Western Bulldogs, has not played competitive football for over a year due to off-field challenges that prompted his move north to the Suns.
Despite his prolonged absence from the field, Ugle-Hagan has reportedly impressed during the pre-season. Recent training sessions have seen him matching up against key defender Mac Andrew, a strong indicator that he could be in contention for a spot in the side when they face the Cats at People First Stadium on Friday. The suspension of fellow key forward Jed Walter for a high contact incident in a recent pre-season match against Brisbane further opens up a potential pathway for Ugle-Hagan’s inclusion, alongside established tall forward Ben King.
However, Hardwick was quick to pour cold water on the speculation surrounding Ugle-Hagan’s immediate debut. “Our statement on Jamarra… well, we have to do what is best for him for the long-term future of his place in the footy club,” Hardwick stated on Wednesday. He elaborated on the significant gap in playing time, noting, “He hasn’t played footy in like 400-odd days.”
While acknowledging the positive progress Ugle-Hagan has made, Hardwick emphasised the club’s responsibility to manage his return carefully. “We’ve been really excited about his progress. But we’ve also got to make sure that we do the right thing by the lad and give him his best chance to succeed at the highest level,” he added.
Hardwick conceded that the former Bulldogs’ No. 1 draft pick possesses the necessary skills to play at the AFL level. Nevertheless, he suggested that a stint in a lower grade competition might be a more beneficial stepping stone. “It’s not a no… we love what he’s brought to our footy club. We’re excited by the prospect but at times we just have to be a little bit patient,” the coach explained.
Debutants and Midfield Shuffle for the Suns
In more confirmed team news, academy graduate and No. 2 draft pick Zeke Uwland is set to make his AFL debut. The exciting news was delivered to Uwland by his older brother and teammate, Bodhi, with the club officially confirming the debut on Wednesday.
The Suns will be without the services of Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell for the opening rounds. Rowell is expected to return after the club’s Round 3 bye, following surgery on a fractured finger. In a positive update for the defence, key defender Charlie Ballard is nearing a return from a knee reconstruction and is slated to play in the VFL on Friday.
Filling the void left by Rowell in the midfield will be Alex Davies. The big-bodied midfielder is expected to slot into a Suns engine room that will also feature new recruit Christian Petracca, who arrives from Melbourne. Hardwick expressed his confidence in Davies, stating, “Al Davies is a guy that we’ve got enormous scope for improvement for, and we’re looking for him to take that step.”
Hardwick also highlighted other emerging talents who are pushing for senior selection. “We’ve also got guys like Will Graham that’ll be thereabouts, you know, that we think is going to be a really good long-term player for the footy club,” he said. “And we’re dying to see Bailey Humphrey through there as well, so we’ve got a great deal of talent that can go through there.”
While acknowledging that these young players cannot individually replace the impact of Matt Rowell, Hardwick believes their combined efforts will be sufficient. “They’re not going to replace Matt Rowell, but the three of them combined will be able to do a very serviceable job for us,” he concluded. The Suns will be looking to start their season strongly against a formidable Geelong outfit, with a blend of experience and emerging talent set to take the field.
