Jamarra’s reported wish to join fallen giant revealed; Bont’s ‘bizarre’ saga no one can explain: Whispers

The footballing future of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is back in the spotlight, with the Western Bulldogs key forward reportedly revealing his preference to play for a fallen giant in 2026.

Meanwhile, intrigue continues to build around his out-of-contract captain Marcus Bontempelli, with two experts simply unable to explain his ongoing preference to delay extension talks.

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JAMARRA’S BIG WISH THAT WOULD SEE HIM LEAVE BULLDOGS

The future of Western Bulldogs key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is back in the public spotlight, with fresh reports suggesting he’s set his sights on a move north.

After a mini hiatus from social media amid an indefinite leave of absence from the club, the 23-year-old has is recent weeks been training at a health retreat in an effort to revive his AFL career.

And after Ugle-Hagan returned to Instagram and TikTok for the first time in weeks to showcase his fitness training, Nine journalist Tom Morris provided an update on his playing future as of Tuesday night.

“The Western Bulldogs are weighing up what they do next with him,” Morris told Footy Classified.

“My understanding is Jamarra has told those close to him he would like to play for the Sydney Swans next year, in a perfect world.

“Whether that takes place, whether the Swans are keen or not, I’m not sure. The Dogs would have to trade him, because of course, he’s contracted.”

JUH checks into health retreat | 00:22

Ugle-Hagan, who is contracted until the end of 2026 at Whitten Oval, has not played any senior footy this year due to his personal off-field issues. He had trained sparingly with AFL — and at times VFL — teammates before his official leave of absence began in late April.

He was taken by the Western Bulldogs with Pick 1 of the 2020 AFL Draft, and is a product of the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Lyon: Jesse Hogan was Jamarra! | 03:34

BONTEMPELLI’S ‘BIZARRE’ WAIT TO ‘TALK TURKEY’ GOES ON

While Ugle-Hagan’s intentions beyond 2025 may be becoming that little bit clearer, there’s genuine mystery around the contract of skipper Marcus Bontempelli.

According to Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph, the unrestricted free agent superstar is still yet to begin official talks with the Western Bulldogs in a move that to some, makes little to no sense.

“He still hasn’t spoken to the football club about wanting to commence talks,” Ralph told Midweek Tackle on Tuesday night.

“(His) café is done, the rehabilitation is done. He is still an unrestricted free agent out there, but again, all I can say is that the Bulldogs say he’s in regular talks with his management – he’s just not ready to ‘talk turkey’ yet.

“I don’t think anyone out there can really explain why this delay has now gone into June.”

Bulldogs fans have nothing to worry about... right? (Photo by Michael Willson via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Co-panellist and veteran Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane added: “It’s bizarre, isn’t it?”

There is no expectation or belief throughout the AFL landscape that the 29-year-old will move elsewhere at season’s end, however his lack of pen to paper at the mid-season point is certainly intriguing.

All that being said, Bontempelli’s leadership and output since returning from a calf injury on the eve of the home-and-away season has been, as always, nothing short of exemplary. From the outside, it looks as if team success remains his biggest priority — knowing that a desirable contract at Whitten Oval will be there for him as soon as it comes front of mind.

The Bulldogs maintain confidence he’ll remain, but the timeline — and lack of clarity — is bound to keep fans uneasy as the season wears on.

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