Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has praised Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for his response to a shocking racist attack, confirming that the youngster will play this week.
Ugle-Hagan spent a day away from the club after being attacked during and after the Bulldogs’ loss to St Kilda on Saturday night, but will line up when the Dogs host the Brisbane Lions on Thursday night.
Beveridge said Ugle-Hagan was “obviously down”, but praised the 20-year-old for his strength in the aftermath of the attack.
READ MORE: Gus and Robbo’s war of words over Suaalii’s contract
READ MORE: Truth behind ‘Ricciardo’ photo that ‘got out of hand’
READ MORE: Bol ‘sham’: ‘Blunder of epic proportions’ revealed
“Jamarra, he’s a strong Indigenous man and he’ll absolutely take it in his stride,” Beveridge said.
“He’ll feel he needs to represent and show the way and we’re looking forward to having him as part of the team tomorrow night.
‘He’s fine – he’s very appreciative of all the support … there was never any indication he was going to let something like this get on top of him.
“(That) is unbelievably admirable. He’s ready to go.”
The perpetrator of the attack, known to be a St Kilda fan, is yet to be identified, with the Saints confirming that they would not be welcome at games moving forward.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The AFL young guns ready to explode in 2023
