‘Cheap as chips’: Dogs’ big contract declaration as No.1 pick traded for almost nothing

The Western Bulldogs have confirmed they will not pay a cent of No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s new deal at the Gold Coast Suns after that trade was finalised on Wednesday.

The Dogs have offloaded the troubled Ugle-Hagan – who was the club’s leading goal scorer just last year – for pick 74.

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The deal comes after a turbulent 12 months for the former number one draft pick, who didn’t feature in a single AFL game in 2025 off the back of personal issues.

“Over the past 12 months, Jamarra has faced some complex personal challenges and adversity, with a fresh start for both player and club seen as the best outcome for all parties,” Bulldogs executive general manager Sam Power said.

“During this period, Jamarra’s welfare and wellbeing has remained the club’s sole priority, as we collectively navigated these challenges with Jamarra.

“We wish him nothing but the best for his next chapter up on the Gold Coast.”

The Dogs statement then confirmed they were no longer financially tied to the 23-year-old.

“Today’s trade means the Bulldogs’ contractual relationship with Ugle-Hagan ends and no ongoing obligations exist,” the statement read.

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The Suns meantime were thrilled to land a player of Ugle-Hagan’s talent – when he is “fit and healthy”.

“As a football club we have a commitment to make sure we explore all options in an effort to give our club the best opportunity for success,” Suns list boss Craig Cameron said after Ugle-Hagan’s one-year deal was made official.

“We firmly believe that a fit and healthy Jamarra can help us as a football club.

“He is a player with high forward craft and IQ that cannot only add, but compliment the exciting group of forwards we already have.”

It’s being reported the forward’s new deal at the Suns “will be heavily incentivised and will also include behavioural clauses”.

Fox Footy’s Jay Clark had reported that new deal could be “potentially half, maybe even less than half” of the $800,000 contract Ugle-Hagan had at the Dogs.

“They’re not paying big money for Jamarra, this is going to be a ‘cheap as chips’ deal,” he said on Trading Day.

“He’s 23 Jamarra, he could play 10 (more) years of football. So, whilst this next year will be a much cheaper deal, this gives him a chance to extend his career.”

Cameron said he was keen to see what a committed Ugle-Hagan could do for the Suns outside the “football bubble”.

“The redemption side of things is a nice story, but the reality is he’s got to come in and play good football to a level,” he said on AFL Trade Radio this week.

Ugle-Hagan has played 67 AFL games, with 103 goals from his time at the Bulldogs, where he was drafted as a prized NGA product.

The trade deal means the Suns now hold picks 7, 8, 15, 18, 29, 36, 37, 52, 92 and 110 in next month’s AFL Draft.

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