The Western Bulldogs will have to consider whether to hand Jamarra Ugle-Hagan an AFL debut in round two after his stunning performance in a reserves practice match.
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The No.1 draft pick kicked five goals and was involved in the creation of several others against Collingwood's reserves on Friday as he pushed his case for an early senior call-up.
Premiership coach Luke Beveridge was a keen observer before leading the Bulldogs' AFL side to a 16-point win over the Magpies at the MCG on Friday night.
"He (Ugle-Hagan) did some impressive things," Beveridge said of the athletic 18-year-old, who has repeatedly been likened to Sydney superstar Lance Franklin.
"It was the first time that he's played at the level where he's started to really show his strengths and his gifts.
"That was fantastic for him and us."
The Bulldogs take on West Coast at Marvel Stadium in round two, with Beveridge to weigh up possible tweaks to his forward line.
Key forwards Aaron Naughton and Josh Bruce were the focal points against Collingwood as the Dogs managed just 10 goals from 61 forward entries.
Emerging ruckman Tim English also spent long periods in attack.
Beveridge said Ugle-Hagan's senior selection will depend on whether the Dogs believe he can get through games and compete with experienced AFL defenders.
"We've got to make sure he's ready," Beveridge said.
"Next week, we'll have (Tom) Barrass and (Jeremy) McGovern and these types.
"Is he ready for that? I don't know.
"We can't throw him to the wolves, we've got to set him up to succeed, but there were some great signs today."
Bulldogs premiership captain Easton Wood did well in the reserves match to prove he has overcome a hamstring concern and looms as a likely inclusion against West Coast.
Dashing defender Jason Johannisen and Zaine Cordy were also solid contributors.
But midfielder Ed Richards faces a stint on the sidelines after a nasty ankle injury resulted in him being taken from the field on a stretcher.
Australian Associated Press