Jamarra Ugle-Hagan makes his feelings clear after scoring.Credit:Getty Images
The 20-year-old rising star made a powerful stand against racism on Thursday night,days after being racially abused at the same venue,lifting his shirt and pointing to his skin after his first goal,reprising memories of Nicky Winmar’s famous act of defiance against racist abuse nearly 30 years ago.
“I wanted to make a stand and show my presence,obviously what happened last weekend was a pretty hard time,” Ugle-Hagan told Channel Seven.“Just going out there and proving the point. I’m just a boy trying to play some football,so are the other Indigenous boys.”
It was only fitting the ball was in Ugle-Hagan’s hands when the final siren sounded,the tension which had been mounting at Whitten Oval was released as the entire Dogs team mobbed their man after he converted his after-the-siren shot.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs is swamped by teammates after one of his five goals.Credit:AFL Photos
Ugle-Hagan came of age as a player last July when he inspired his team to victory over Melbourne,and on Thursday night he showed he was also a young man of considerable mettle.
In the spotlight for reason beyond his control,the forward was both the game’s central figure and its best player,his five goals priceless in a low-scoring game.
The narrow win will not wash away the concerns that arose in the first two weeks,but it will give Dogs fans a weekend with the sweet taste of victory.