Jamarra - How excited are YOU???

[Rocket Science]

Apparently on Bob and Andy (SEN)

Call me cynical but that quote strongly conjures this image ...

[jeemak]

Don't worry mate, nobody would ever dream of calling you cynical!

[bornadog]

Call me cynical but that quote strongly conjures this image ...

He is a freak and can play anywhere Anywhere the coach wants him to

[Hotdog60]

Jamarra adapting to Bulldog life



After going more than twelve months without playing a game of footy, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has wasted no time throwing himself into life as an AFL footballer.

The number one pick from last year’s draft has already drawn plenty of praise from teammates about his talent this pre-season.

Ugle-Hagan admits pre-season has been hard work – albeit he’s enjoying that side of it.

“I’m getting used to the body contact with the bigger bodies,” he told SEN’s Bob and Andy on Friday.

“Coming in from a NAB League point of view as a bottom-ager to an AFL list, it’s a lot harder.”

The exciting 18-year-old key forward has been moved between positions in match simulation sessions so far to get a taste of things – after last playing a game of footy at the end of 2019, due to the NAB League season being cancelled.

In Friday’s session, he got a taste of life in the engine room against some of the competition’s elite.

“I had a run in the forward line, deep forward, and then I had a run in the guts,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“I came off the bench and Bevo said, “we’ll chuck you on the wing”. Then he goes, “actually, we’ll chuck you in the guts”.

“It was pretty hard, but I got through it which was good.”

The appeal of a round one debut is in the back of Ugle-Hagan’s mind – although he’s conscious he has a lot of work ahead of him to get there amidst a fight for spots in the Bulldogs’ best 22.

For now, he’s focused on putting in the hard yards and enjoying the ride.

And what will be, will be.

“That’s what we’re all training for in pre-season. Everyone wants to play round one,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“The reason I play footy is because I love it. You don’t want to lose the kid inside you. Obviously it can get hard and it can get tough sometimes.

“Round one, round seven or even next year, there’s no rush to play a game.

“I want to be the best I can in my first year – just do what I can do, nothing special, just have fun and enjoy the game.”

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[comrade]

Seems to be a real attempt by the club to pour cold water on the Jamarra hype. Every mention of him in an interview with players/coaches highlights his talent but reinforces how far off he is and how expectations need to be managed. We've also barely had any footage of him throughout the pre-season (but that's nothing new).

Is the club being overly cautious and trying to ensure the he avoids the pressure that has fallen on the likes of Jack Watts and Tom Boyd, or is he really struggling to adapt after having a year off?

[jeemak]

Reckon it could be a bit of both. We're a super conservative club and I think possibly a bit scarred by how poorly the media treated Tom Boyd under our watch.

[GVGjr]

Seems to be a real attempt by the club to pour cold water on the Jamarra hype. Every mention of him in an interview with players/coaches highlights his talent but reinforces how far off he is and how expectations need to be managed. We've also barely had any footage of him throughout the pre-season (but that's nothing new).

Is the club being overly cautious and trying to ensure the he avoids the pressure that has fallen on the likes of Jack Watts and Tom Boyd, or is he really struggling to adapt after having a year off?

Missed nearly all of last season which would have been a huge development year for him. I'm all for being cautious with expectations on him this year. I'm sure he will impress but he isn't likely to play a lot this year

[boydogs]

He's a skinny tall, will take time to be able to compete with AFL bodies

He's 195cm and 90kg, Stringer was 192cm and 95kg when drafted

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Missed nearly all of last season which would have been a huge development year for him. I'm all for being cautious with expectations on him this year. I'm sure he will impress but he isn't likely to play a lot this year

Always thought he would take time - missing a year at his age is pretty crucial. It's a big step from U18s to the AFL at the best of times, let alone what they all went through last year.

It's unfortunate in the sense that it doesn't feed into building hype/excitement, but his time - and that excitement - will come in time when he's ready.

[bornadog]

[Hotdog60]

6 goals in the practice match nice prediction.

[comrade]

6 goals in the practice match nice prediction.

Which quarter?

[Rocket Science]

[Mantis]

First time I'd seen him in action was yesterday and whilst he's influence was limited what he did just reeks class.. The ball just melds into his hands and his leaping for the ball is similar to Naughts, but he might have more hops which is a little crazy.

My expectations are limited on what we see from him this year given he hasn't really played for 18 months, but very excited to see where he gets to by the end of the year... as this will just be the entrée.

[comrade]

First time I'd seen him in action was yesterday and whilst he's influence was limited what he did just reeks class.. The ball just melds into his hands and his leaping for the ball is similar to Naughts, but he might have more hops which is a little crazy.

My expectations are limited on what we see from him this year given he hasn't really played for 18 months, but very excited to see where he gets to by the end of the year... as this will just be the entrée.

I liked his intent to tackle and pressure yesterday above all else. He really put the hurt on a few opponents, all legally.

Look out in 2 years when he's harder and stronger. He won't be dropping many.