It's looking increasingly likely that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan won't play for the Western Bulldogs again with a trade to a new AFL club on the horizon for 2026.
The gun forward is yet to play an AFL game in 2025, having sat out the season so far with personal issues.
However, despite his lack of playing time and his highly-publicised off-field lifestyle, Ugle-Hagan is set to be in demand for AFL clubs to sign for next season.
The 23-year-old kicked 43 goals in 2024 and 35 in 2023, showing he has the capability to be one of the best key forwards in the game.
The Sporting News has details on the likely options for Ugle-Hagan to continue his AFL career.
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Sydney
The Swans are crying out for a superstar key forward since the departure of Lance Franklin at the end of the 2023 AFL season.
Led by a tall forward trio of Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean, Sydney did make the grand final in 2024, but those players went missing in the season decider, failing to kick a goal between them.
With McDonald having not played a game yet in 2025 because of injury and Amartey also currently missing, the Swans played usual defenders Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling as tall forwards alongside McLean against Essendon on Saturday.
However, their attack isn't functioning well, particularly with Tom Papley injured and prime ball deliverer Errol Gulden also absent.
The Swans have had great success in bringing successful key forwards to Sydney, including the likes of Tony Lockett, Barry Hall and Franklin.
A move for Ugle-Hagan to the Harbour City, and out of the intense Melbourne spotlight, could be what he needs to reignite his career.
Having a superstar focal point could be what Sydney requires to push back into premiership contention in 2026.
Geelong
With Tom Hawkins retiring, there is a clear absence of a predominantly stay-at-home forward for the Cats.
Shannon Neale has filled this role for most of 2024 and all of 2025, but has only kicked 30 goals in 24 matches across those seasons.
Geelong are keen on Jeremy Cameron playing a roaming role through the forward line and into the midfield, so the need for a goalkicking, forward 50 competitor is strong.
The Cats have shown they can successfully recruit troubled players and get their careers back on track, with the likes of Tyson Stengle and Bailey Smith thriving at the Cattery.
Ugle-Hagan would appear to be a perfect fit at Geelong and also would be playing at the closest AFL club to his hometown of Warrnambool - about two hours drive away.
While significant capital would be required to get the Bulldogs to release Ugle-Hagan, Geelong have always found a way to get deals done.
St Kilda
An outside chance to recruit Ugle-Hagan, the Saints recently announced they wanted to become the no.1 destination club for Indigenous players - and what a way to back up that statement by signing the gun forward.
St Kilda would definitely have the money required to satisfy the player, but they are also chasing the likes of Tom De Koning and Zak Butters, and it would appear they are the priority.
There would also be question marks over whether Ugle-Hagan would be keen to join a club that's not in their premiership window and whether remaining in Melbourne would be best for the player.
But on the Saints end, they are clearly lacking dominant key forwards with Max King yet to play in 2025 because of injury and Tim Membrey being traded to Collingwood.
Western Bulldogs
Ugle-Hagan staying at Whitten Oval long-term appears to be the most unlikely of all the options currently.
His situation with team-mates and coach Luke Beveridge looks untenable and serious reconciliation would be needed for the star forward to continue his career at the Bulldogs.
Ugle-Hagan's contract at the Dogs does expire at the end of the 2026, meaning he could be at the club next season if there are no suitors for his services at the end of this campaign.
But it's hard to see him extending his stay beyond 2026 and appears likely he will be out the door when this season concludes.