Where does Jamarra Play in 2023

[bornadog]

With Rory Lobb coming in and Naughton already a Star Full Forward, where does Jamarra play and what is his role?


https://youtu.be/WHFnKuBRIBM

[Mofra]

Where Naughton doesn't.
When Astro is deep, Marra plays high.

When Astro plays high, Marra plays deep.

[Grantysghost]

I think similar to this year.

I really doubt we will have Lobb and Bruce in the same forward line so Naughton Lobb Marra as the talls and as Mofra said swapping high low.

I'm interested in where Darcy goes too.

[MrMahatma]

He plays in premiership winning forward line.

[GVGjr]

I think similar to this year.

I really doubt we will have Lobb and Bruce in the same forward line so Naughton Lobb Marra as the talls and as Mofra said swapping high low.

I'm interested in where Darcy goes too.

To be honest unless we are planning to play Bruce as a defender he should start the season in the forward line along with Lobb and Naughton and the onus would be Marra to take his spot.
What we absolutely must do is pick players on form which I don't think has been a strong point for the match committee.

If we assume Marra gets ahead of Bruce then we should place him close to goal alongside of Lobb with Naughton in the CHF position.

[jazzadogs]

To be honest unless we are planning to play Bruce as a defender he should start the season in the forward line along with Lobb and Naughton and the onus would be Marra to take his spot.
What we absolutely must do is pick players on form which I don't think has been a strong point for the match committee.

If we assume Marra gets ahead of Bruce then we should place him close to goal alongside of Lobb with Naughton in the CHF position.

I agree with the general point that its 3 of the 4 in the team - but based on 2022 form Marra is playing ahead of Bruce.

The onus is on Bruce to recapture his 2021 form more than it's on Marra, because if they're at a similar level I'm picking the young guy with upside.

[GVGjr]

I agree with the general point that its 3 of the 4 in the team - but based on 2022 form Marra is playing ahead of Bruce.

The onus is on Bruce to recapture his 2021 form more than it's on Marra, because if they're at a similar level I'm picking the young guy with upside.

I'm just not sure it's right to compare Bruce's 2022 form with anyone. We botched his return and he should have played at least 2 more weeks at Footscray before being promoted.
As long as we pick the best players we should do well.

[Grantysghost]

I agree with the general point that its 3 of the 4 in the team - but based on 2022 form Marra is playing ahead of Bruce.

The onus is on Bruce to recapture his 2021 form more than it's on Marra, because if they're at a similar level I'm picking the young guy with upside.

Me too, I guess it depends on our balance between eye to short term future (24/25) or the now.

Personally I wouldn't want to waste a year of Marra dev, or Darcy dev to get Bruce into the side.

If it's on merit, fine, he's a good player when up and going but I'm thinking Marra could already be as good.

[F'scary]

Jamarra = Centre Half Forward.

The problem with Naughton playing CHF is that he often doesn't seem to know what to do when he gets the ball in a bit of space. His passing skills are basic only and he is not wiz with the handball either. If he is more than a kick out he plays on without thinking too often and the opposition are now onto this seemingly unmanageable tendency.

Naughton is also a good ball up and, to a lesser extent, throw in ruck option deep in the forward line. His bull in a china shop, search and destroy ground game is also best when he can have a snap at goal or turns it into an assist for a teammate to have a ping.

Jamarra, on the other hand is proving a good leading mark, is a beautiful mover in play and off the mark and has truly elite disposal skills and vision. I feel that he has the better long shot kick too.

Bruce, despite his size and physique is just a close to goal foxer, not a CHF (or back up ruck either).

Darcy could be the challenger for CHF but I think he will have to be groomed to take over #1 ruck in 2-3 years. He can also play KPB and tall back pocket or forward pocket too.

[bornadog]

Jamarra = Centre Half Forward.

You are the only one so far to actually work out a position for JUH. Maybe I framed the question incorrectly.

I meant where does JUH actually play - FF, CHF, HFF, FP.

I like your idea of CHF, but does that mean Lobb and Naughton play deep?

[Jasper]

Does he have a tank big enough to play anywhere other than FP?

[Dogs 24/7]

Does he have a tank big enough to play anywhere other than FP?

Big question but this is now his 3rd pre season so he needs to develop a tank to handle leading up the ground.

[F'scary]

You are the only one so far to actually work out a position for JUH. Maybe I framed the question incorrectly.

I meant where does JUH actually play - FF, CHF, HFF, FP.

I like your idea of CHF, but does that mean Lobb and Naughton play deep?

Absolutely: Naughton FF, Lobb/English = FP/Ruck

[kruder]

The penny is about to drop with this kid.

[Bulldog4life]

I'm just not sure it's right to compare Bruce's 2022 form with anyone. We botched his return and he should have played at least 2 more weeks at Footscray before being promoted.
As long as we pick the best players we should do well.

I think we were forced to play Bruce to some extent as that weekend our VFL team had a bye and his progress would have been stifled. It must have been a hard decision for the MC.

[GVGjr]

I think we were forced to play Bruce to some extent as that weekend our VFL team had a bye and his progress would have been stifled. It must have been a hard decision for the MC.

We had Schache in good form late in the season, did we bypassed form and go for the name?
We also had the chance to acknowledge that Bruce wasn't ready and drop him earlier and we didn't to that either.
I'm still convinced we botched his return and I'm hoping Bruce can get back to some decent for next year.

[Mantis]

To be honest unless we are planning to play Bruce as a defender he should start the season in the forward line along with Lobb and Naughton and the onus would be Marra to take his spot.


I can't for the life of me see how you can play Bruce & Lobb in the same forwardline... it's just a recipe for disaster.

For me Bruce is a long way back and is going to have to present in amazing shape and perform exceptionally well in the pre-season to earn a spot in our best 22.

[GVGjr]

I can't for the life of me see how you can play Bruce & Lobb in the same forwardline... it's just a recipe for disaster.

For me Bruce is a long way back and is going to have to present in amazing shape and perform exceptionally well in the pre-season to earn a spot in our best 22.

I'm assuming he will be fit because his mobility wasn't really the issue when he returned late in the season and it was more about his timing. Bruce returning this year was always going to be risky and for some reason we were stubbornly reluctant to drop him once we brought him in.
Why do you think a Bruce and Lobb combination is much different to a Marra and Lobb pairing?

[Happy Days]

I would want to see some significant improvement in Bruce’s mobility and self-confidence in pre season games before I’d even be ready to consider him for a spot anywhere on the field.

I don’t think that from his 2022 form we can ever count on Bruce to be a consistent contributor again, and need to think of anything we get from him as all profit. An ACL is a bad injury but is also not a death sentence, and he looked as bad as anyone ever has returning from one.

[Mantis]

I'm assuming he will be fit because his mobility wasn't really the issue when he returned late in the season and it was more about his timing. Bruce returning this year was always going to be risky and for some reason we were stubbornly reluctant to drop him once we brought him in.
Why do you think a Bruce and Lobb combination is much different to a Marra and Lobb pairing?

Marra has much better ground skills, mobility and defensive skills compared to both Lobb and Bruce who are both very reliant on marking the ball to gain their possessions.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Marra has much better ground skills, mobility and defensive skills compared to both Lobb and Bruce who are both very reliant on marking the ball to gain their possessions.

Things change quickly, don't they? A little over a year ago prior to injury, Bruce was closing in on 50 for the season and was one of the better key forwards in the game at a top 2 performing team.

Since that Essendon game the injury happened, he's effectively two years older, Marra has developed and we've recruited Lobb.

I'm a big fan of Juice, he's a great character and it's clear he is really popular amongst the group. The injury was horrific for him and for us.

If this was the NBA, he probably would have been moved on because providing he gets back to some good form, he's good enough to be playing every week in the AFL. Unfortunately for him, he might do that at our club and still not get picked on the balance of our side. Naughton is a mainstay, Lobb was recruited for a reason and offers ruck support, meaning he's competing against Marra and as much as we like to pretend form is everything, the reality is that unless he's absolutely terrible it's very unlikely Marra gets dropped.

[bornadog]

However, we can't play Lobb, Bruce, Naughton and Marra all at once in the forward line.

[FrediKanoute]

Marra has much better ground skills, mobility and defensive skills compared to both Lobb and Bruce who are both very reliant on marking the ball to gain their possessions.

I think we stop looking at Marra as a key position forward and start looking at him as a high half forward with aerial ability. He is a Nicky Winmar clone more than a Buddy Franklin type player

[Jasper]

I think we stop looking at Marra as a key position forward and start looking at him as a high half forward with aerial ability. He is a Nicky Winmar clone more than a Buddy Franklin type player

I like the comparison but he isn't anywhere near Winmar with his ability to glide around the ground and if he had that ability we could play 4 talls at times. Its going to be fascinating to see if Marra can remain grounded off field so that he can reach his potential on it.

[Mantis]

I think we stop looking at Marra as a key position forward and start looking at him as a high half forward with aerial ability. He is a Nicky Winmar clone more than a Buddy Franklin type player

I don't get this comparison at all... like it's one of the strangest comparisons I've seen listed on here.

Nicky Winmar was an aerobic beast, had unbelievable kicking skills and presence in the air.... Marra is very similar to Buddy in playing sense, but is stronger in the air. A long way to go to go to see if he can match the unbelievable feats of Buddy, but he has similar traits.

[Axe Man]

THE STAR CAT UGLE-HAGAN SHOULD LOOK TO EMULATE (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/02/06/the-star-cat-ugle-hagan-should-look-to-emulate/)

Is Jeremy Cameron the perfect prototype for what Jamarra Ugle-Hagan could one day become?

Since being taken with pick one in the 2020 National Draft, Ugle-Hagan has endured an inconsistent start to his time at the Western Bulldogs.

However, as a young key forward, Ugle-Hagan’s up-and-down career to date hasn’t been a surprise. Late in 2022, the 20-year-old locked in a best 22 spot in Luke Beveridge’s side with 10 goals from rounds 18-20, including a five-goal, five-inside 50s performance against Melbourne.

It was an indicator of the young gun’s potential, and a booming goal from outside 50 to seal the game for the Dogs reminded fans of Geelong star Cameron.

With Rory Lobb coming to Whitten Oval in the off-season, AFL analyst David King questioned if Ugle-Hagan could see a role change in line with what Cameron plays at the Cats.

“Jeremy Cameron is the finished product, Jamarra is nowhere near the finished product, but I wonder if that’s the player he’s going to become,” King began on SEN Breakfast.

“Up the field more, not out of the goal square, and being so creative by foot kicking the ball inside forward 50 to the advantage of his teammates and maybe getting a bit more ball, rather than having to win everything in a contest… I think that you’ll see more of that for him.”

AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich, who spent a week of pre-season at the Dogs’ Portsea training camp, suggested Lobb’s recruitment was set to have a big impact on Ugle-Hagan and fellow key forward Aaron Naughton.

“I think we’ll see Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (improve) - speaking to a lot of people around the club over the last couple of days - the benefit of Rory Lobb isn’t just what he brings in terms of his output, but what he does for Naughton and Ugle-Hagan,” Gabelich told SEN last week.

“I spoke with Naughton and he was just raving about Rory Lobb and what he’s brought to that forward line.

“I just think you’ll see it in those two because they’re still quite young, Naughton especially and Ugle-Hagan, I think Naughton will bring plenty.”

Ugle-Hagan suggested after the 2022 season that he didn’t enjoy his footy for a period of time, but found a better headspace towards the end of the season.

Beveridge famously didn’t debut the key forward until Round 17 in his debut season, with the pressure increasing on Ugle-Hagan the longer his first game was on hold.

But the Dogs appear set to reap the rewards after a pre-season that has continued the momentum from his finish to the season last year.

“I’m out there having fun and enjoying my footy again,” Ugle-Hagan told the club’s website in November last year.

“I found it a bit hard last year to find the fun in football – I was expecting way too much from myself as a player.

“Coming into a top-two team (as the number one draft pick) I didn’t expect to play straight away, but that was hard to realise at the time.”

Ugle-Hagan kicked 18.16 last year as the Bulldogs crawled into finals, with the club hoping a rejuvenated forward line and Liam Jones’ recruitment sees a return to form.

[1eyedog]

Let's look at it again after three more preseasons. No way he is effective in the Cameron role over the next few years he'd blow up halfway through the second quarter atm. Also, he's the only bloke other than Weightman who really understands how to play in the forwardline. Naughts is a freak but is an unconventionial forward who does whatever he wants and Lobb is tall and ok but Jamarra knows how to find space, times his leads well and is an accurate kick.

He's been earmarked to play the deep, lead up Josh Bruce role and that's where I feel he'll provide the most value this year at least.

[1eyedog]

*edit. Bevo will probably play him off a back flank.

[Axe Man]

Let's look at it again after three more preseasons. No way he is effective in the Cameron role over the next few years he'd blow up halfway through the second quarter atm. Also, he's the only bloke other than Weightman who really understands how to play in the forwardline. Naughts is a freak but is an unconventionial forward who does whatever he wants and Lobb is tall and ok but Jamarra knows how to find space, times his leads well and is an accurate kick.

He's been earmarked to play the deep, lead up Josh Bruce role and that's where I feel he'll provide the most value this year at least.

He is not an accurate kick, his goal kicking has been well below league average. He has the technique to be an accurate kick, hopefully he improves.

Perhaps in short bursts he can roam up the ground a bit, especially if he's not getting on the end of much deeper forward? I agree with the idea from King as contested marking is not a strength. Get him up the ground and involved in the play more, even if only for a 5 minute burst here and there until he builds his tank some more.

[1eyedog]

He is not an accurate kick, his goal kicking has been well below league average. He has the technique to be an accurate kick, hopefully he improves.

Perhaps in short bursts he can roam up the ground a bit, especially if he's not getting on the end of much deeper forward? I agree with the idea from King as contested marking is not a strength. Get him up the ground and involved in the play more, even if only for a 5 minute burst here and there until he builds his tank some more.

If he keeps kicking the way he is his numbers will still be better than McKay and King and on par with Naughton.

He's young and kicks under fatigue but I think you're right when he's not so gassed I think he'll be an accurate shot on goal.

[mjp]

I think we stop looking at Marra as a key position forward and start looking at him as a high half forward with aerial ability. He is a Nicky Winmar clone more than a Buddy Franklin type player

I would say he's more Willie Roe than Nicky Winmar if we are sticking with First Nations comparisons.

BUT.

I actually think in terms of modern day players he's more like a taller version of Jack Gunstan. In time he will be able to play behind the ball but right now moving him up to the wing etc is a pipe dream...5 mins here and there with a specific role? Sure. Full time? No chance.

[Axe Man]

If he keeps kicking the way he is his numbers will still be better than McKay and King and on par with Naughton.

I'm not sure what stats you are looking at but JUH is running at 42% accuracy across his career and 39% last season. Naughton is 51% across his career. McKay is 50% and Max King 48%.

[1eyedog]

I'm not sure what stats you are looking at but JUH is running at 42% accuracy across his career and 39% last season. Naughton is 51% across his career. McKay is 50% and Max King 48%.

Really, my maths is my weak link no doubt.

I was looking at his 25 goals 18 behinds so 43 shots for 25 goals. Seems to be getting more than he's missing how do they work it out?

[Axe Man]

Really, my maths is my weak link no doubt.

I was looking at his 25 goals 18 behinds so 43 shots for 25 goals. Seems to be getting more than he's missing how do they work it out?

AFL website has shots on goal numbers so includes out on the full, shots that fall short, etc. JUH is 25 goals from 60 shots. It's a more accurate measure.

[F'scary]

I reiterate. CHF.

[1eyedog]

AFL website has shots on goal numbers so includes out on the full, shots that fall short, etc. JUH is 25 goals from 60 shots. It's a more accurate measure.

No worries gotcha.

[Dazza]

FF in the future IMO.

That burst of speed will be hard to handle after he gains enough strength to push away from his man.

I feel like he could model his game on a guy like Jack Riewoldt

**In 2023 he'd be handy as a high half forward. He's got a booming penetrating 60m kick on him.

[AutoFill]

I reckon, using the modern game lingo, he’ll be the third tall, roaming everywhere from the goal square to up on the wings. I remember watching him right at the start, flying for marks and having the ball just skimming his fingertips. I said then and I’ll say it again now, once he starts clunking them, he’s going to be an absolute superstar. I’m expecting that to happen this year.
Using traditional terms, we’ll be classifying him as a CHF, as Naughton and Lobb will play much closer to the goals, and JUH will do much of his work outside the 50m arc.

[bornadog]

FF in the future IMO.

That burst of speed will be hard to handle after he gains enough strength to push away from his man.

I feel like he could model his game on a guy like Jack Riewoldt

**In 2023 he'd be handy as a high half forward. He's got a booming penetrating 60m kick on him.

I like your thinking ie a Riewoldt type of forward - that would really suit him

[Jeanette54]

For this year I would give him space, playing at HFF, on the side of the ground which suits his kicking leg.

Lots of space to lead into, he is a beautiful leading forward when he chooses to be. Keep him away from the heavy stuff for another year.

[1eyedog]

Does he have a tank big enough to play anywhere other than FP?

Not yet no. Another preseason or two is needed. If Bruce is out of the deep lead up role that's what Marra needs to do. Lobb and Naughton are not these type of players.

[1eyedog]

I think we stop looking at Marra as a key position forward and start looking at him as a high half forward with aerial ability. He is a Nicky Winmar clone more than a Buddy Franklin type player

He's really not he's been a lead up all through Juniors I've watched him at Fram as a 16 year old in the south-west. He's never played like Winmar.

Anyway, he can't play a high forward role he'll gas out and be useless. It's the hardest position to play. Maybe 10 minutes stints.

[DadBod]

Not that I put a lot of stock in what King has to say, he's a bit hit and miss for me, but he suggested that Marra could become a J.Cameron type of player in time, which I wouldn't mind. One that roams up and down the wings and burns their opponent. Not sure if Marra will ever develop the tank to do it through work rate, although he has improved a hell of a lot in that area, but the kid's silky and quick so may be able to do it that way. Cannot wait to see him, Darcy and Naughts in 3 years time just cutting teams apart.

[GVGjr]

Not that I put a lot of stock in what King has to say, he's a bit hit and miss for me, but he suggested that Marra could become a J.Cameron type of player in time, which I wouldn't mind. One that roams up and down the wings and burns their opponent. Not sure if Marra will ever develop the tank to do it through work rate, although he has improved a hell of a lot in that area, but the kid's silky and quick so may be able to do it that way. Cannot wait to see him, Darcy and Naughts in 3 years time just cutting teams apart.

I think King said that should be Marra's aim and while it's a lofty target in time it could be very achievable. Unlocking Marra's talent is something Spangher will need to work on.

[kruder]

I'm not sure why people would knock David King, he is one of the few analysts in the industry that actually does research. Sure he may not get it right all the time but I agree with Kingy it's something he can aspire to as a player.

I like the Jack Gunston link also and that's why I come on woof because there are plenty of good discussions/suggestions also. I just think its too easy to bag everyone in the media all the time.

[GVGjr]

I'm not sure why people would knock David King, he is one of the few analysts in the industry that actually does research. Sure he may not get it right all the time but I agree with Kingy it's something he can aspire to as a player.

I like the Jack Gunston link also and that's why I come on woof because there are plenty of good discussions/suggestions also. I just think its too easy to bag everyone in the media all the time.

King is a fine analyst of the game and I really enjoy listening to him. It initially seemed a strange pairing of him and Kane Cornes but I think it works.

[jeemak]

For this year it's wherever he can get a spot based on form at both levels, which he'll play.

His talent and draft position will provide him with a bit of a leg up, but the reality is he just needs to work hard with whatever chance/ task he's given and do his best through fighting like his life depends on it.

If that's high forward then he needs to present and get back. If it's deep he needs to sacrifice his game, block and create space for others, and pressure when we don't have it. If he does those things fastidiously then he'll get on the end of a few, earn the respect of his team mates and coaches, and stay in the team.

For mine there's no great positional hope for him yet, I just want to see him do what he's told, remain positive, work his arse off and string productive and team oriented games together.

[derb]

I may be alone in thinking this but I think he'd be a decent floating defender for parts of a quarter. I thought Bevo would have swung him there when he was having a quiet patch as all young forwards do.

[Matjoh]

I'm 100% with mofra. Keep him away from Naughton. too often last year he got in the way [or competed] with Naughton but fortunately Naughton still managed to take most marks as he's clearly the better mark. So his spot would be HFF but I wouldnt play him game 1 as he still runs under the ball and drops too many marks [even during the recent open sim].