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Beveridge fed up with Ugle-Hagan AFL buzz

3 minute read

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admits he is becoming frustrated by questions surrounding the potential debut of No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Bulldogs coach LUKE BEVERIDGE
Bulldogs coach LUKE BEVERIDGE  Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he's fed up with being asked when prized No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will make his AFL debut.

The talented key forward, who has been compared to Lance Franklin, is being made to earn his spot in a Bulldogs side on track for a top-four finish.

When ruck-forward Tim English (concussion) was ruled out of the Bulldogs' blockbuster Friday night clash with Richmond, Ugle-Hagan was floated for a potential first game under the bright lights at the MCG.

But tall forward Josh Schache was one of four inclusions over the 19-year-old, with the Tigers storming home to win by 22 points and end the Bulldogs' unbeaten start to the season.

Beveridge was quizzed on Ugle-Hagan's future prospects in the post-game press conference and offered some blunt feedback.

"You (journalists) just persist with these questions about Jamarra, don't you? Did you see our emergencies? Well, have a look at them - he's (Ugle-Hagan) named," Beveridge said.

"Would we name if he's a long way off? Did you hear my press conference the other day? Can you guys just listen to press conferences so you don't keep asking the same questions?

"I've answered this question - it seems like I'm getting defensive - but when you answer the same question every time I'm in a room with you guys.

"You've got to imagine it gets frustrating because you guys don't do your research and don't look at what's happening."

Schache, who was taken by the Brisbane Lions with pick two in the 2015 draft, was quiet with seven touches and kicked a late goal.

"He's been out for a while and it's difficult to come in and take an absolute stranglehold of the whole thing," Beveridge said.

"He didn't probably have the impact that he's capable of, and that's difficult for him, because he hasn't played a lot of AFL in recent times.

"We'll talk to him about that, lift his spirits, and see what happens next week."

The Bulldogs will be looking to respond from their first defeat since last year's elimination final when they take on Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

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