Damien Hardwick has attempted to take the air out of a potential Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Gold Coast debut in the Suns’ AFL opener against Geelong.

The Western Bulldogs recruit didn’t play any football last year as he dealt with off-field issues that led to him seeking a move north.

The 23-year-old has impressed during the pre-season and trained strongly on Wednesday, matching up against key defender Mac Andrew in a genuine sign he would line up against the Cats on Friday at People First Stadium.

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Fellow key forward Jed Walter’s one-game suspension for high contact in last week’s pre-season clash with Brisbane also opens the door for his inclusion, alongside pillar Ben King.

But Hardwick played down the prospect on Wednesday.

“Our statement on Jamarra ... well, we have to do what is best for him for the long-term future of his place in the footy club,” the coach said.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has impressed for the Suns during the pre-season but it’s been a long time since he played a serious AFL game. Credit: AAP

“He hasn’t played footy in like 400-odd days.

“We’ve been really excited about his progress. But we’ve also got to make sure that we do the right thing by the lad and give him his best chance to succeed at the highest level.”

Hardwick admitted the Bulldogs’ former No.1 draft pick “had the capacity to play” but that game time at a lower level was a tempting option.

“It’s not a no ... we love what he’s brought to our footy club. We’re excited by the prospect but at times we just have to be a little bit patient” he said.

Academy graduate and No.2 draft pick Zeke Uwland will play, the club confirming his debut on Wednesday after older brother and teammate Bodhi delivered the news.

Hardwick said Bronwlow medallist Matt Rowell would likely return after the club’s bye in round three after surgery on his fractured finger while key defender Charlie Ballard is set to return from a knee reconstruction in the VFL on Friday.

Big-bodied midfielder Alex Davies will replace Rowell in a Suns engine room that will also feature Melbourne recruit Christian Petracca.

“Al Davies is a guy that we’ve got enormous scope for improvement for, and we’re looking for him to take that step,” Hardwick said.

“We’ve also got guys like Will Graham that’ll be thereabouts, you know, that we think is going to be a really good long-term player for the footy club.

“And we’re dying to see Bailey Humphrey through there as well, so we’ve got a great deal of talent that can go through there.

“They’re not going to replace Matt Rowell, but the three of them combined will be able to do a very serviceable job for us.”