Jamarra Ugle-Hagan wasn’t the one Indigenous inspiration behind the Western Bulldogs’ circuit-breaking AFL win.
A day earlier than Ugle-Hagan recreated Nicky Winmar’s highly effective anti-racism stance and booted 5 objectives within the victory over Brisbane, teenager Arthur Jones gave the Bulldogs a much-needed spark.
It began with a flash of his trademark grin after assistant coach Travis Varcoe introduced the Mount Barker product would make his senior debut.
“Just to see his face light up when he heard the news earlier in the week gave us so much energy,” fellow Indigenous Bulldogs participant Liam Jones instructed AAP.
“He’s such a lovable, exciting character around the club.
“It’s so good to see his household right here and for him to get pleasure from his first recreation and his first win is absolutely thrilling.
“It’s the start of a really nice career, I think. He’s going to be a really good player for us.”
The 19-year-old Jones’ power translated onto the sector at Marvel Stadium, the place his deal with on Brisbane’s Cam Rayner pressured the turnover that led to the primary of Ugle-Hagan’s 5 objectives.
The former No.1 draft choose celebrated by lifting his jumper and pointing to his pores and skin in response to the vile racist assaults he was subjected to on the similar venue 5 days earlier.
Teammates mobbed Ugle-Hagan after the aim, with Jones the final to make it over and congratulate his “big brother”.
Jones completed with simply 5 disposals in his debut efficiency however teammates mentioned his presence prolonged past the stats sheet.
“I’m proud of him,” Ugle-Hagan mentioned, having introduced Jones together with his jumper earlier than his debut.
“Young boy, Indigenous boy, he’s come in with his energy and that’s the reason why he’s in there – his pressure and energy.
“That’s what we wanted in our ahead line and it simply created a bit spark, then we simply go on from there.”
Ugle-Hagan made gentle of Jones’ post-match “lap of honour” as the debutant lapped up adulation from the crowd.
“We have been ready for him on the gates for like 10 minutes however that is simply him and that is what we love about him,” Ugle-Hagan mentioned.
“He brings that happiness and that heat to our membership.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
