Overlooked Ugle-Hagan “disappointed” as Gold Coast coach outlines long-term plan

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick sees Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as a long-term prospect, but admits he is not ready for AFL football.

Ugle-Hagan was once again overlooked for the senior side as the Suns prepare to head west to take on the Eagles on Sunday.

The former Bulldog sat out the entire 2025 when he was wearing a Western Bulldogs guernsey, but since being traded to Gold Coast, has put his best foot forward.

Despite a strong pre-season, and six goals in a VFL practice match last week, Hardwick provided a reason why Ugle-Hagan wasn't named in the extended squad.

"It's more match fitness," Hardwick explained.

"He has missed a lot of footy and he came into my office this morning, a little disappointed. He wants to play. He's keen to play and we're keen to play him as well.

"But we want to set him up for success. We got to make sure when he's ready to go, he's ready to play a full year.

"This is, as far as I'm concerned, the short term. I see this guy as a long-term player for us, so we got to make sure we give him the best opportunity to put his best foot forward, and be the best player he can be."

Ugle-Hagan's disappointment and frustration being overlooked is a positive, according to Hardwick, saying that that's a sign of a driven player.

"He's got high expectations of himself," he added.

"He's in a hurry. But the fact of the matter is, he's got hasten slowly, and we speak about that all the time."