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Rivals rumoured to offer monster deal for out-of-contract forward

“To prize him out, it’s gonna take a deal of 10, 11 years”

Published by
Frank Seal

The race for out-of-contract forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan intensifies by the day, with multiple clubs vying for the former number-one pick's signature.

Collingwood, Hawthorn, Sydney, Essendon, and Richmond are all rumoured to be throwing mammoth deals the way of the young star, and Cal Twomey has highlighted what may be required to lure the prodigy in such a heated market.

"Collingwood has been linked, Hawthorn is chasing... Sydney's in the market still," Twomey mentioned on Gettable.

"Rival clubs are also aware that to prize him out, it's gonna take a deal of 10, 11 years. This is going to be a mega-monster extreme deal if he is to leave."

Ugle-Hagan has emerged as the most sought-after key forward in the competition after a breakout 2023 campaign, booting 35 goals with over 11 touches per game for a non-finalist Bulldogs' side.

He looks to have taken a big leap toward his ceiling this past off-season, impressing practice match onlookers with a dominant display of forward craft, athleticism, contested marking, goal-kicking and pressure in an outing against Hawthorn.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan celebrates his match-winning goal against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium during Round 19. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

His contract status is attracting significant attention, and despite the Bulldogs' confidence in retaining his services, rivals are making strong bids to lure him away from the Kennel.

Hawthorn, in particular, has emerged as a serious contender in the race for Jamarra, potentially fortifying their forward line alongside spearhead Mitch Lewis and replacing recently departed key Jacob Koschitzke.

Koschitzke's new club, Richmond, are the latest contender rumoured to potentially throw the kitchen sink at the 21-year-old, a move that would make him the franchise player at Tiger-land for the next decade beyond Tom Lynch.

Ugle-Hagan has expressed a desire to continue with the Bulldogs where he developed through the Next Generation Academy and, being one of the only young key forwards available on the market, the offer to pry him away from the Dogs would take a hefty chunk of the club's salary.

Potential for injuries and financial complacency make such a move a risk for any rival willing to invest so heavily, but as negotiations unfold, all eyes will be on Ugle-Hagan's decision that could shake the AFL landscape.

Published by
Frank Seal