Bulldogs laud energy of AFL debutant Arthur Jones

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan wasn’t the only Indigenous inspiration behind the Western Bulldogs’ circuit-breaking AFL win.

A day before Ugle-Hagan recreated Nicky Winmar’s powerful anti-racism stance and booted five goals in the victory over Brisbane, teenager Arthur Jones gave the Bulldogs a much-needed spark.

It started with a flash of his trademark grin after assistant coach Travis Varcoe announced the Mount Barker product would make his senior debut.

“Just to see his face light up when he heard the news earlier in the week gave us so much energy,” fellow Indigenous Bulldogs player Liam Jones told AAP.

“He’s such a lovable, exciting character around the club.

“It’s so nice to see his family here and for him to enjoy his first game and his first win is really exciting.

“It’s the start of a really nice career, I think. He’s going to be a really good player for us.”

The 19-year-old Jones’ energy translated onto the field at Marvel Stadium, where his tackle on Brisbane’s Cam Rayner forced the turnover that led to the first of Ugle-Hagan’s five goals.

The former No.1 draft pick celebrated by lifting his jumper and pointing to his skin in response to the vile racist attacks he was subjected to at the same venue five days earlier.

Teammates mobbed Ugle-Hagan after the goal, with Jones the last to make it over and congratulate his “big brother”.

Jones finished with just five disposals in his debut performance but teammates said his presence extended beyond the stats sheet.

“I’m proud of him,” Ugle-Hagan said, having presented Jones with his jumper before his debut.

“Young boy, Indigenous boy, he’s come in with his energy and that’s the reason why he’s in there – his pressure and energy.

“That’s what we needed in our forward line and it just created a little spark, then we just go on from there.”

Ugle-Hagan made light of Jones’ post-match “lap of honour” as the debutant lapped up adulation from the crowd.

“We were waiting for him at the gates for like 10 minutes but that’s just him and that’s what we love about him,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“He brings that happiness and that warmth to our club.”