The Oakleigh Chargers key forward spent a fortnight training with the Western Bulldogs.

New captain Marcus Bontempelli and star midfielder Josh Dunkley also took the Bulldogs Next Generation Academy star under their wing.

Ugle-Hagan, 17, who enters his top-age year in the NAB League, made sure he got the most out of his first AFL experience.

"I walked into the club with 'Bont' as I was staying with him and Dunkley I just wanted to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible so I could use it as a headstart and bring it into my 2020 season," the Warrnambool-raised talent said.

"I learnt staying with those boys that they both work hard for where they are as we were always the first people to be at the club and the last people to leave.

"In the first couple of days I just watched what Bont did early in the mornings and just fed off him as he started doing extra sessions and craft sessions before the day even started.

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"So later in the week I got the forwards coach (Ashley Hansen) to help me develop as a player and we worked on our craft every time I was free.

"At the end of the day I was lucky to realise early that the more you use the facilities and coaches provided around you, the more you're going to get out of it.

"I didn't just walk out of the Bulldogs as a better player, I also walked out of it as a better person."

The 194-centimetre forward, who has been likened to the Sydney Swans star Buddy Franklin, thoroughly enjoyed his experience.

"It was more than I expected. It was challenging in the first week to catch up with the standards," he said. "It just didn't feel real to be living with Bont and Dunkley for two weeks and also getting the opportunity to be training at the highest level.

"The staff and players make you feel welcomed as soon as you walk through the door. You couldn't walk 10 metres with out stopping for a conversation. Just shows that it's more than footy."

Ugle-Hagan was eager to his final year at the Chargers as the club chased back-to-back premierships.

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