Born in Tuggeranong, Australian Capital Territory, Dugan played his junior football for the Valley Dragons and South Tuggeranong Knights before being signed by the Canberra Raiders. After being signed by the Raiders, Dugan played in their NYC team in 2008 and 2009, scoring 25 tries and kicking 107 goals in 25 games. Dugan played in the Raiders' NYC Grand Final win over the Brisbane Broncos, scoring a try and kicking 4 goals.