Sanders firms for early debut as Ugle-Hagan kicks four goals

Jackson Clark Published March 4, 2024 at 4.00am (AWST)

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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was damaging up forward during Saturday's AAMI Community Series win over Hawthorn. (Image: Michael Klein)

Talented forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan booted four goals while Ryley Sanders excelled in front of his home crowd during the Western Bulldogs' 57-point win over Hawthorn in the AAMI Community Series on Saturday.

Ugle-Hagan finished the match with four goals as he formed a dangerous partnership in attack with fellow key forward Aaron Naughton, who also finished with four majors in the Bulldogs' 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62) win at UTAS Stadium.

The former number one draft pick was strong in the air and at ground level and provided plenty of highlights, including a raking long left foot goal from outside the 50m arc.

Western Bulldogs' forwards coach Matt Spangher noted the key forward's continual improvement when talking to media after the match.

"He is obviously a very talented young man and his appetite for the aerial contest has gotten better and better every year and week on week," Spangher said.

"To see him start like that – really hungry and wanting to make an impact – is encouraging for the year ahead."

Further up the ground, highly talented youngster Ryley Sanders continued to stake his claim for an opening round debut with a 30-disposal performance through the midfield.

Sanders – who has been one of the shining lights for the Bulldogs throughout the entire pre-season – also had four clearances and ten score involvements.

Spangher told media that his game was "very impressive".

Ryley Sanders during Saturday's AAMI Community Series game against Hawthorn. (Image: Craig George)

"The second half especially he got going a little bit," Spangher said.

"He is an incredibly talented young man. He has had a fantastic, immediate impact for us and it's nice to see him play in front of a home crowd.

"I think he is probably one of the more composed younger players that I've ever seen. He certainly knows how to make the right decision with the ball in his hand which for many players takes a little while to happen."

When asked about his chances of a Round 1 debut, Spangher said that he was a 'pretty strong' chance of playing.

"He has done everything right to give himself the best chance. His attitude is first rate, if it happens, he has certainly deserved the chance."

The Western Bulldogs begin their 2024 campaign with a clash against Melbourne at the MCG in a fortnight's time.