Gerard Healy says constant questions directed at Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge about Jamarra Ugle-Hagan are “completely over the top”.
Beveridge recently snapped at a reporter when asked about Ugle-Hagan as the Bulldogs continue to take a cautious approach with the No.1 draft pick.
The 19-year-old, who has been likened to Sydney star Lance Franklin, is yet to make his AFL debut and will again play in the VFL this weekend.
Brownlow Medallist Healy has backed Beveridge’s handling of the talented forward.
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“This constant badgering of Luke Beveridge as to whether Jamarra Ugle-Hagan should play is completely over the top,” the ex-Demon and Swan told Sportsday.
“The kid’s got promise, the kid’s kicked a couple of goals on a couple of occasions, but he doesn’t get a hell of a lot of the ball. He’s got to learn to do things without the ball – as in defend – to force his way in.
“He needs to learn to live the life of a professional, that means professional on a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
“When he’s good enough, he’s going to get in because tell me what the upside for Luke Beveridge is for keeping a guy out of the side that’s going to make you better.
“I think you can ask him about it, but I think he’s given the answer so many times it’s pretty obvious … I think it’s been badgered.”
The Dogs (6-1) take on Carlton (3-4) at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Why it's quite alright to be patient with Jamarra
