Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he expects troubled forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's road back to football to ramp up, but insisted there was no specific date for his return.
Ugle-Hagan returned to the Whitten Oval after taking personal leave from the club in April, and as early signs have shown, he's keen to play at any level in 2025.
The Bulldogs are taking a cautious approach in re-integrating the former Pick 1 back into the fold, with Beveridge saying there is plenty to play out before Ugle-Hagan is seen in the tri-colours.
"We'll go through that patiently," Beveridge said.
"We go through a different period, where he's now trying to apply himself, and find a way, in a football career sense.
"He's got a fair bit to get through.
"It's difficult to make any predictions when he might play at any level. One of the key considerations is... the Footscray (VFL) program is a part-time program. So, if the commitment is there from Marra's end, we'll do our best to cater for his needs in the main program.
"We talked about some simple things. Some really basic objectives to aspire to, and I'm comfortable with the platform now. The challenges still remain, but the question mark will be 'can you be compliant? Can you be here when you need to be? Build the next part of your career.
"We hope he wakes up every morning with enthusiasm to come in and improve his footy, but get his life back on track as well."
Beveridge said that Ugle-Hagan will be in the stands of the AFL and VFL games in support of his teammates, as well as all required training sessions.
The 2016 premiership coach also denied any concern surrounding captain Marcus Bontempelli's contract situation.
Bontempelli is yet to re-sign with the Bulldogs, and the peculiar timing without a signature has been cause for worry, especially with Collingwood reportedly lingering.
However, Beveridge dismissed any concern of a move to a rival club, although this new deal has taken longer than hoped.
The Bulldogs will look to continue their hot form as they attempt to find a place inside the top eight, with a clash against Richmond looming as a percentage boost.
The Whitten Oval club last played 10 days ago, and will back up the Tigers clash with a five-day break, raising a few eyebrows amid a unique piece of fixture scheduling.
Beveridge said the club will consider taking the "conservative decision" with players on the fringe of selection in anticipation of the Round 16 contest against Sydney at the SCG.
Veteran midfielder-forward James Harmes is available for selection after overcoming his concussion, while Jason Johannisen (illness) will be assessed before Sunday's game.
Pressure forward Laitham Vandermeer recently recommitted to the club, penning a three-year extension (2028). He joins the likes of Ed Richards (2030), Rory Lobb (2027), Luke Cleary (2027) and Lachie Smith (2026) in recent re-signings.
