Interest is building in a first-round Crow — but the Jamarra Ugle-Hagan suitors remain limited — while the Giants are preparing to start new contract talks with several key players.
In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.
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RIVALS EYEING CROWS’ FORMER FIRST-ROUND PICK
Crows former Pick 11 Luke Pedlar is a player rival clubs will have interest in if he can’t break into Matthew Nicks’ side.
Pedlar has felt the squeeze at West Lakes after Adelaide brought in James Peatling, Isaac Cumming and Alex Neal-Bullen, with the fifth-year Crow yet to play a senior game in 2025 after overcoming a frustrating run of injuries.
The 22-year old’s 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder reconstruction that limited Pedlar to just four senior appearances last year.
The 30-gamer is contracted at Adelaide until 2026, so another team would need to acquire him via trade.
Pedlar recorded 16 disposals and six tackles then 19 touches with a goal in a midfield-forward role for Adelaide’s SANFL side across its two opening two games.
GIANTS TO OPEN TALKS WITH 2026 OUT-OF-CONTRACT GUNS
The GWS Giants are ready to open talks with several key players out of contract in 2026.
Aaron Cadman, Darcy Jones, Kieren Briggs and Jack Buckley are among the names the Giants are keen to prioritise locking away on new deals.
Cadman, the former No. 1 pick from Greater Western Victoria Rebels, is a player they’d be desperate to retain long-term as the future of the forward line.
Jones is meanwhile from Western Australian and is expected to draw interest from his home state.
Unlike other seasons, there’s no big-name Giants still out of contract this year after Finn Callaghan turned his back on a huge offer from St Kilda to recommit to GWS.
Leek Aleer’s future is the most pressing as the defender contemplates departing for more opportunity, having not played a senior game yet in 2025.
Foxfooty.com.au reported last week St Kilda is the frontrunner for Aleer if the former Pick 15 seeks a trade amid interest from multiple clubs.
WHY OPTIONS COULD BE LIMITED FOR JAMARRA
The options for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan appear limited if he departs the Western Bulldogs.
It’s become more likely Ugle-Hagan will exit Whitten Oval at the end of the season for a fresh start elsewhere as the former No. 1 pick battles complex personal issues.
Two list management sources indicated to foxfooty.com.au their clubs were unlikely to pursue the key forward if he were available.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Channel 9 this week the Cats were “really open to dangerous conversations” surrounding Ugle-Hagan, who’s contracted at the Dogs for 2026, while Sydney and Brisbane have also been linked to the 23-year old.
‘Not worth talking about’ | 01:17
New social media vision emerged this week of Ugle-Hagan out drinking while on a flexible training program. It’s unclear when he’ll be back at the Bulldogs and whether he’ll return to the field this season.
A Bulldogs spokesperson told foxfooty.com.au Ugle-Hagan’s welfare remains the priority, with the current arrangement seen as the best course of action to benefit him.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Ugle-Hagan’s playing future was in the AFL’s hands amid calls for the club to stand him down.
“I try not to think about the social media side of things too much,” Beveridge said on Thursday.
“At the moment the decision-making in regards to Marra’s future and what that entails is significantly in the AFL’s hands.
“We’re waiting on them to do certain things and we’re continually interacting with them and working through it to work out what’s best for Marra.”
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