Cornes: Why Dimma should start Ugle-Hagan in the VFL

The redemption of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be one of the biggest storylines to watch through the 2026 AFL season but how will Damien Hardwick approach the former No. 1 draft pick’s re-entry to top tier footy?

Amid well-documented personal issues, Ugle-Hagan did not play a single match for the Bulldogs in 2025 and was traded to the Gold Coast for pick 74.

His AFL lifeline is a significantly reduced salary one-year deal with behavioural clauses as Hardwick and the Suns look to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Discussing what the best approach to Ugle-Hagan’s return would be, Kane Cornes had a radical suggestion.

“Would it be the worst thing if Damien sat him down and said: ‘For the first month you’re playing VFL’,” Cornes asked.

“This is making a player hungry; this is him proving how much he wants it, forcing himself into a team that is stacked this is sending a message to the others that we’re not just gifting games.

“This is making a point. Not dissimilar to what Bevo did when he (JUH) first got to the Dogs and him forcing his way in, it set him up pretty well.

“Show me how much you want this. Are you going to spit the dummy because I’m making you play VFL. I think this would set him up for a great year. Jake Stringer-Adam Kingsley style. I’m going to make you earn it.

“I think there’s a long-term play here that is not just an immediate sugar hit. It tells him he has to work his backside off. He’s got to be managed the right way.”

Cornes’ Fireball co-host David King said the idea was “ridiculous” and questioned why the Suns would not field their best 22 from the offset.

But is Jamarra part of the best 22?

“Why weren’t there 17 other clubs beating down the door to sign him,” Cornes asked.

To which King said: “Most weren’t prepared to take the risk. They’re too safe. Who cares if it blows up. Everyone worries about the downside, the upside here is huge.

“I’m not holding Ugle-Hagan back I’m saying ‘go get it’.

“He is in their best 22 right now. I’m 100% sold. I love these stories and I think more often than not, the guy that goes hungry like this with this level of talent, it’s a no brainer for me.

“I think this works out perfectly. Dimma is the perfect coach for this guy. He will be a boom.” The Gold Coast Suns begin their 2026 season against Geelong in Opening Round.