Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has broken his silence on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's exit, saying that the year-long saga was a "challenge for everyone".
Ugle-Hagan sat out the entire 2025 season due to personal reasons, which saw him traded to the Gold Coast Suns despite holding a contract for next year.
The former Pick 1's availability quickly became the focal point of the weekly press conferences and whether he'd return to football at any level.
However, it became obvious that a fresh start for both parties was clearly needed.
"That was probably the end of the arc in terms of Jamarra and his storyline," Bontempelli said at a State of Origin media conference on Friday following his selection in the Victorian team.
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"It's been a challenge for everyone. I'm happy for him, and hopefully, this can be the change that he needs to get back to enjoying himself and his football.
"Jamarra not being on the football field is the wrong thing for the AFL.
"Everyone wants to see him doing his best and showing his talents. My hope is for him, his football, and his life, that it's the best move and gets him back out on the field."
The Suns took a gamble on Ugle-Hagan after sending a late selection during Wednesday's trade deadline, sending Pick 74 to the Western Bulldogs.
The key forward signed a one-year deal to play under Damien Hardwick, with a trigger for a second season in Queensland.
Ugle-Hagan kicked 103 goals from 67 games for the Bulldogs after debuting in 2021.
Bontempelli will line up alongside Zak Butters, Jeremy Cameron and Matt Rowell as the first VICs named in the side.
They'll stand opposite Patrick Cripps, as well as Shai Bolton, Aaron Naughton and Tom Barras.
