South Warrnambool export Jamarra Ugle-Hagan picked for AFL debut

The Hampden league export, who grew up at Framlingham, will play against Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

He is the third player from South Warrnambool to debut at either AFL of AFLW level this year, joining Jay Rantall (Collingwood) and Renee Saulitis (St Kilda).

South Warrnambool president Steve Harris said the club, which has a wall of fame for its elite players, was proud of its ability to play a part in footballers' development.

"At the top of my head it would now be mid-30s (AFL/AFLW players from the club) so we're starting to run out of space on the wall but we'll find another one, don't worry," he told The Standard.

"It is great for the club to see boys and girls you've nurtured and given them every opportunity you could play at the highest level, it is very pleasing.

"We are quite hopeful with our program in the years to come that we'll have girls that will be rivalling the numbers of our boys (at the elite level)."

Jamarra's proud mum Alice Ugle, dad Aaron Hagan and five siblings, along with other family and friends, will be in the stands cheering him on against the Swans.

Alice told The Standard she was overcome with emotion.

"It is overwhelming and very exciting for our family and our community," she said.

"I was crying tears of joy. We just hope Jamarra enjoys himself and does what he does best."

Alice said Jamarra, who also played for East Warrnambool including in a game alongside his dad, had to work hard to earn his chance in a star-studded Bulldogs' line-up.

"He's been enjoying it, obviously it's had its challenges with COVID (lockdowns) and not being able to play (at times), it's kind of been a repeat of last year of not being able to display your talent," she said.

"But the Western Bulldogs are a great club and very supportive."

Harris said the Roosters were proud of Ugle-Hagan's achievement too.

"We're thrilled for him. He's put a lot of hard work in over an extended period of time and for him to now get his chance at the highest level is exciting for him, everyone involved and the club," he said.

"We always knew he was special. He could just do things time and time again you would consider bordering on freakish.

"But you don't get to that level without a lot of hard work as well which to his credit, he's put in."

Harris said South Warrnambool would plan something "to celebrate".

"We'll certainly try and do something to get together and enjoy watching him making his debut," he said.

Jamarra's round 16 debut comes after the key forward had to bide his time in the VFL system.

The Oakleigh Chargers export, who didn't play football in his top-age draft year due to coronavirus restrictions, was told of his first game on Thursday.

READ MORE: Jamarra - born for the big stage, nurtured by the south-west

He replaces injured forward Aaron Naughton.

Naughton will miss the match with concussion.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.