Unsigned Western Bulldogs young gun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is said to be the "most in-demand key forward" in the AFL, with a Victorian rival "well and truly in the race" to sign the former No.1 draft pick.
Ugle-Hagan is one of several Dogs stars still yet to recommit to the club beyond 2024, with the Bulldogs hoping the young forward will join attacking partner Aaron Naughton in re-signing long term.
All-Australian Tim English and midfielder Bailey Smith are also among those without deals for next year, leaving list manager Sam Power with a sizeable season of retention.
Entering his fourth year at the Kennel, Ugle-Hagan is seen to be on the precipice of a breakout season in the blue, white and red following a promising 35-goal campaign last year.
His upside and contract status are said to be piquing the interest of rival clubs, with Hawthorn revealed as the latest keen suitor for the 21-year-old.
According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, the Hawks are looking to partner Ugle-Hagan with spearhead Mitch Lewis as they plan to bolster their key position stocks for the future, while the Dogs are confident in extending the youngster's contract.
"Right now Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the most in-demand key forward in the competition. Many believe this is the year he is going to explode," Cleary revealed on Wednesday night.
"Right now the Dogs are extremely confident that he will re-sign and that they are in a good place, but Hawthorn has entered the race to sign Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
"We know that they're after a key back, they're also after a key forward and they have salary cap space. They went after Todd Marshall in recent times, Ben King, they missed out on Aaron Naughton as well.
"The Hawks are well and truly in the race for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. We know Sydney has been linked, the Pies have been linked also, but make no mistake Hawthorn want to partner Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with Mitch Lewis as a key pillar in attack.
"The Dogs are confident he will be their man for the future."
Outside of Lewis the Hawks have new recruit Mabior Chol and veteran Jack Gunston leading their key forward ranks, with emerging duo Max Ramsden and Calsher Dear joining swingman Denver Grainger-Barras as reinforcement options.
In their rebuild under senior coach Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn are likely to ramp up their efforts to add experienced talent this year before placing greater attention toward finals contention.
The potential addition of Ugle-Hagan would see the Western Bulldogs NGA graduate form a lethal one-two punch with Lewis for the long term as Mitchell looks to steer the Hawks back toward the summit.
Ugle-Hagan has played 45 games for a return of 60 goals for the Bulldogs since making his debut in 2021.
