The Bulldogs were contacted for comment.

Schache was given three stints at senior level last season, but could not cement a spot. Ugle-Hagan played 18 games, but none between rounds seven and 13.

Speaking with The Age at the documentary’s launch on Thursday, Schache said he had needed a fresh start after 45 games in five seasons with the Bulldogs.

“The list there [Bulldogs] was very prominent and upcoming, especially in the positions that I play in as well. It’s tough to have a permanent role and spot in the side ... going into different positions every week was a little bit difficult. I have loved my time at Melbourne, so far,” he said.

“Obviously, it was pretty frustrating when you think you can go out there and have an impact. Obviously, Jamarra is going to be a great player in the future, what he has been able to do has been awesome. Seeing the work he has been putting in as well this off-season, has been awesome. I can’t wait to see what they can do this year.”

The deal to move Schache to the Dees came just minutes after Sam Weideman left the Demons for the Bombers. The Demons will be Schache’s third AFL club; the former No.2 draft pick started his career at Brisbane.

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“I have just really enjoyed my time there at the moment. Obviously, Goody [coach Simon Goodwin] has been really good, along with all the other coaches. All the players have welcomed me in to have a position up forward, to train up forward through the pre-season and pinch hit in the ruck if I need to,” Schache said.

Trotter said on Thursday that Schache wanted more opportunity to play senior football.

“He loved the Dogs and didn’t really want to leave but, he also wants to play AFL footy. Melbourne were really honest – ‘it’s not a walk-up start here, we are not getting you in to be a lock for our 22, but I think there is a role there’,” Trotter said of the Demons’ spiel.

“Whether he has to wait for an opportunity, the way he finished off in the VFL last year, he is too good for that level. Hopefully, he gets a chance.”

Schache was part of the Bulldogs’ side for the 2021 grand final. His best season was in 2019, when he booted 24 goals in 14 games. He has been used in several positions. He finished 2022 in superb touch in the VFL, booting 17 goals in three games, including two seven-goal bags.

‘I barely talk to JL’

Meanwhile, Bulldogs recruit Rory Lobb, 29, has opened up about a difficult 2022 campaign, revealing he barely spoke a weekly word to Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, and claimed the Dockers’ coaching staff had “put me in the wrong direction”.

A contracted Lobb failed in his bid to leave the Dockers and return to Greater Western Sydney during the 2021 trade period. But with the Dockers keen to secure wantaway Demon Luke Jackson, a deal was done in the final minutes of October’s exchange period, with Lobb joining the Bulldogs in exchange for pick No.30 and a future second-round selection.

“It’s an interesting thing for me. I feel like I am really close to the boys playing good footy, but I am a little bit disjointed from the coaching staff, in a way. It has stemmed from them thinking: ‘I don’t want to be there’,” Lobb said through the season in discussion with his manager Colin Young.

“I barely talk to ‘JL’, probably a couple of words once a week – but I just saw the writing on the wall. At times, I feel like I haven’t played to the best of my ability, but I feel like sometimes the coaching [has] sort of put me in the wrong direction.”

Grundy said on Thursday that an injury-hit 2022 season and his trade had been “difficult for many reasons”, but had not been a hit to his ego. He said he and fellow All-Australian big man Max Gawn had already forged a strong partnership, with Grundy likely to do the bulk of the ruck work.

“I love what the club stands for, their vision,” Grundy said.