Tony Shaw, the former captain of the premiership-winning Collingwood Football Club, has expressed his desire for the club to pursue Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, a talented forward whose future remains uncertain. The 22-year-old has experienced a challenging off-season, taking a break from training with the Western Bulldogs amid suggestions of strained relationships within the club.
Last season, Ugle-Hagan was impressive on the field, scoring 43 goals across 22 matches, yet concerns have been raised regarding his conduct and attitude off the pitch. Despite still being signed until the end of 2026, speculation about his potential exit has been rife.
During a recent appearance on 3AW, Shaw urged Collingwood to consider bringing Ugle-Hagan onboard. He emphasised the player’s exceptional athleticism and the importance of taking risks on promising talents. Shaw stated, “My old club would be jumping out of their skin… You’ve got to take a chance on him. If Collingwood didn’t go after him if he became available, it would be a lost opportunity.”
He further noted that numerous clubs might be ready to take a chance on Ugle-Hagan, believing that they could succeed where the Bulldogs have struggled. While Ugle-Hagan has yet to participate in pre-season matches for the Bulldogs, he did join the Indigenous All Stars camp recently, suggesting he remains engaged in the game. His availability for the upcoming season opener against North Melbourne is currently doubtful, adding to the intrigue surrounding his future.