Now Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has confirmed his AFL talents, Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli needs “more and better” from the star ahead.
Ugle-Hagan can be a significant key in Friday evening’s blockbuster towards prime facet Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
It can be a stern check of the Bulldogs’ bona fides, with wins over North Melbourne and Fremantle leaving them well-placed in sixth spot on a 9-6 document.
Ugle-Hagan shone towards the Dockers with 4 targets and the 2020 No.1 draft choose continues to flourish in his soccer profession.
Bontempelli, who has been one thing of a mentor to the 21-year-old, mentioned Ugle-Hagan had proven the affect he can have on a sport.
“He’s already shown he has match-winning abilities. He’s helped us win a couple of games in the past and this one (against Fremantle) was obviously quite significant,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“He’s just worked so much harder on his forward craft, his fitness, how he can help the team – regardless of whether he kicks goals or not.
“The subsequent factor now’s as soon as your realise your capability and what you are able to do, how do you retain repeating that and preserve trying to find extra and higher?”
Criticism has emerged surrounding Rory Lobb’s form, but Bontempelli said the Fremantle recruit had also helped Ugle-Hagan in their attack.
“Him being there has allowed somebody like Jamarra to … flourish as nicely,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“Between him and Aaron (Naughton), they’re taking away fairly large targets away from Jamarra at completely different factors, which has actually allowed him to reveal a 3rd tall (defender).
“He (Lobb) is definitely contributing and we’re still definitely happy with how he’s performing.”
Friday evening is a far cry from the beginning of the season, when the Bulldogs suffered heavy losses to Melbourne and St Kilda.
“It almost feels like a different season, in a sense, because of how competitive we’ve been,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“Obviously off the back of those two games we had to shift our focus a little bit, but really probably hone in on some of the things we know we do well.
“Always thrilling, these video games, when you understand they clearly imply so much for each of our seasons.”
Defender Ed Richards could return against Collingwood, a month his strong season was interrupted by a hamstring injury.
“He’s feeling good, he is a superb healer, which is nice,” Bontempelli mentioned.
“He was a major participant for us earlier than he obtained damage.”
The Bulldogs on Monday announced a five-year sponsorship extension with Mission Foods, which will take the partnership to 20 years.
Added to the significant redevelopment of the club’s Whitten Oval home, there is a strong sense of optimism about the future.
“It will hopefully preserve gamers right here, it would hopefully convey gamers right here,” Bontempelli said of the redevelopment.
“It will hopefully make us a spot the place folks wish to keep and play the remainder of their careers.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
