Beveridge unsure on Ugle-Hagan's AFL spot

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is unsure how many AFL games promising forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will play this season despite the club missing Josh Bruce.

The Bulldogs are still searching for their best forward mix after strong-marking Bruce went down with an ACL injury in round-21 last season.

Bruce kicked 48 goals last year before the major setback and his partnership with high-flying Aaron Naughton had finally clicked.

Stream Seven's coverage of AFLW for free on 7plus >>

The Bulldogs still managed to make last year's grand final by going on a remarkable September run.

But Beveridge has declared Tim English's time as a key forward is over and plans to use the 24-year-old as the Bulldogs' first-choice ruckman again.

However, Ugle-Hagan will continue to be managed carefully as the 2020 No.1 draft pick builds confidence.

Beveridge was determined to make Ugle-Hagan earn his debut last year, waiting until round 17, with the 19-year-old finishing the season with just five games and none in the finals campaign.

"I think some of the commentary and the lack of analysis on why even Tim ended up out of the ruck last year isn't ideal," Beveridge said after the Bulldogs' six-point defeat against the Brisbane Lions in their last pre-season game on Friday.

"I think if we had of all done our homework it was pretty plain to see we needed a key forward.

"Obviously, Tim was going to perform better in the ruck than Lewis Young but we had to rob Peter to pay Paul. Now we need Tim to play in the ruck.

"Marra's not quite ready and we probably need you (the media) to ride that out and help him.

"We're trying to develop him and it's going to take some time.

"With key forwards it takes a little bit of time to get used to the cut and