Western Bulldogs standout Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his personal challenges, addressing his absence from the club, his struggles with mental health, trade speculations, and his return to training.
The 23-year-old has resumed training this week, aiming to get back on the field by the end of the year.
Since April, Ugle-Hagan has been on leave from the club due to mental health issues, which have also caused frustration for the club over his off-field conduct.
His last appearance was during the 2024 elimination final defeat against Hawthorn.
Ugle-Hagan explained that external pressures prompted him to take a leave of absence and seek help at a health facility outside Victoria.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan opens up. Instagram
“The external noise pushed me to check myself into a rehab facility for my mental health,” Ugle-Hagan shared on the Rip Through It podcast.
“It reached a point where I had to give my car to a friend because I didn’t trust myself to drive.”
“At times, I thought about – to be honest – whether it was even worth living anymore.”
“I struggled to leave the house and hit rock bottom – I was at my lowest.”
“There were definitely suicidal thoughts, and they came quite often.”
“Particularly when I felt isolated and alone. The way I was treated publicly contributed to that.”
Ugle-Hagan expresses his commitment to the Bulldogs. Instagram
Eager to return to the pitch for the Western Bulldogs, Ugle-Hagan described the prospect of playing again in 2025 as “brilliant”.
“I want to play footy. I can’t wait to get back out there,” he declared.
“I want to score a flipping goal in front of those fans.”
“I’ve been watching every Bulldogs game, cheering them on.”
“I plan to attend games at the end of the year. I genuinely want to play at least one more game, if not more.”
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at Bulldogs training on Monday. Nine
Linked to a potential transfer to Sydney, Ugle-Hagan has confirmed he intends to honour his contract with the Bulldogs, which runs through to the end of 2026.
“I am firmly contracted with the Bulldogs and have the desire to play for them, aiming for a premiership,” he stated.
“I’ll be a Bulldog until my contract expires, and hopefully, they extend it further, but we’ll see how that goes.”
“The club has supported me from the very start, so I’m eager to prove myself again.”
Ugle-Hagan is expected to participate fully in training with the Bulldogs for a month before being considered for selection in VFL matches as the finals approach.
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