Footscray coach Luke Beveridge has clairified his comments on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's selection status, with a response on Fox Footy's AFL360 elluding to star forward potentially missing the entire season.
Beveridge said on the program he couldn't "definitively" answer whether Ugle-Hagan would be seen this season at AFL level, rather hoping his consistency at training would build.
Speaking in front of media on Thursday, Beveridge explained his remarks in further detail.
"I think people are using my words to project that [Jamarra missing the season is] a possibility," Beveridge said.
"When I said I can't be definitive as to when (he will return), it sort of alludes to the fact it could happen. We're not sure.
"Applying yourself at this level and having continuity with your preparation is what he's after and what we're after. Once he gets that, it's just how long it's sustainable at this point in time.
"Once he can sustain a period of time with that he'll be a candidate to return."
Not only is fitness an aspect of Ugle-Hagan's return, as the 22-year-old has continued solo training when outside the club's program but it has also been reported the former Pick 1 will have to regain the trust of staff and teammates before pulling on the red, white and blue kit in 2025.
Beveridge did not delve into the specifics of what the trust meant but asserted that it was not as significant as reported. Rather, Beveridge said that Ugle-Hagan becoming a "self-starter again" was the key to a return.
"The trust aspect is in the language and the messaging between 'Marra and the club. We've appreciated that he's got some life challenges that present as impediments to him playing at this level," Beveridge said.
"It's not a trust situation, it's just how do we motivate an individual and help them become a self-starter again. That's where we're at.
"There's evidence that he's self-starting better than he had been, and now we need a sustainable run with that."
The Bulldogs winning start will look to continue against Collingwood this week, in the club's celebratory centennial match at the MCG.
