Bontempelli Breaks Silence on Ugle-Hagan’s Exit
Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has spoken publicly for the first time about Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s shock trade request, admitting the club was blindsided but refusing to place blame on the departing 22-year-old forward, who has been with the club since age 17.
In a 35-minute interview with club media ahead of Thursday night’s season-ending clash with Hawthorn, Bontempelli opened up about the emotional impact of the past two weeks, the internal discussions that followed, and why he believes the club managed the difficult situation as best it could.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel like a punch in the guts,” Bontempelli said, speaking with the calm tone of a leader who has weathered more than his fair share of adversity.
“When you invest in someone — as a footballer and as a person — and watch their growth, it’s hard not to take something like this personally at first. But the more I reflected, the more I realised this wasn’t about us failing Jamarra. Sometimes people need a new environment to become the best version of themselves. We have to respect that.”
Ugle-Hagan, the No.1 pick in the 2020 draft, requested a trade to North Melbourne on the final day of the Trade Period, surprising many given his previous public commitment to the Bulldogs and his two-year extension signed just over a year earlier.
According to sources, his decision stemmed from homesickness — with strong family and cultural ties in the region — as well as a desire for a clearer leadership path at a club where several key-position players already occupy the spotlight.
Bontempelli said he learned of the request only hours before it was made public.
“Bevo called me on the Tuesday night and said, ‘Sit down, this one’s going to hurt.’ When he told me, I was silent for about 30 seconds. Then I asked the only question that mattered: ‘Is this really what he wants?’ Once the answer was yes, that was that.”
He spoke to Ugle-Hagan shortly after.
“We chatted for nearly an hour. No anger, no pressure — just honesty. He was emotional, and so was I. He kept apologising, which broke my heart. He doesn’t owe me or the club an apology. He’s 22. He’s allowed to change his mind.”
One line from the conversation stayed with him.
“Jamarra said, ‘I still want to be the player you think I can be — I just don’t think I can do it here anymore.’ That hit hard. He’s a generational talent, but talent only flourishes with true happiness.”
Bontempelli dismissed suggestions the decision was linked to cultural issues at the club.
“That narrative is lazy. Our indigenous players are supported, thriving, and valued. Jamarra never raised any cultural concerns with me or anyone at the club. This was about family, opportunity, and fit.”
He also defended the timing, despite Ugle-Hagan publicly reaffirming his commitment in June.
“People want to turn that into a gotcha moment. But life changes. In June he probably meant it. By October, something shifted. That’s human.”
The Bulldogs ultimately received picks 16, 34 and North Melbourne’s 2026 first-round selection in exchange — fair compensation, according to list manager Robert Murphy.
Bontempelli said the return helps the club reset, but doesn’t replace the player immediately.
“You don’t replace a kid who kicks bags of goals with draft picks — not straight away. But it gives us flexibility.”
He insisted he holds no resentment.
“None. We handled it maturely. We could’ve dragged things out, but we didn’t. We found a solution and parted on good terms. He’s already sent me a couple of messages saying he’ll be cheering for us on Thursday.”
To Bulldogs supporters frustrated and heartbroken, Bontempelli offered a message of perspective.
“I get it — it hurts. But don’t turn that hurt into bitterness. Remember what he gave us. Those moments don’t disappear because he’s wearing new colours.”
As he wrapped up the interview, Bontempelli turned back with a smile.
“I hope North gives him the world. I hope he kicks a hundred goals. And when we play them in 2026, I hope he kicks ten on us — and then we still win by fifteen. That’s footy.”