Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is poised to make his return to training this week after an extended absence from the club during the off-season.
Unfortunately, Ugle-Hagan has been sidelined for the Bulldogs’ first-round clash against the Kangaroos this Saturday night, with his status for subsequent games remaining uncertain.
As reported by Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris, Ugle-Hagan has communicated his intention to resume training on Thursday.
Marcus Bontempelli and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Western Bulldogs celebrate a victory. Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Morris also highlighted that Ugle-Hagan had missed scheduled training sessions on two consecutive days following Victoria’s Labour Day long weekend.
In an update, Morris clarified that the Bulldogs were aware in advance of Ugle-Hagan’s absence from training.
“What I can share tonight is that the club was informed; they were aware he wasn’t coming in on Monday and Tuesday,” Morris commented on Nine’s Footy Classified.
“This indicates that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s journey remains a work in progress; it’s not a straightforward path.”
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The top pick from the 2020 draft class has also been training off-site, with the club confirming in January that the 22-year-old is “undergoing flexible training arrangements” to address “personal issues”.
While Ugle-Hagan previously indicated he was eager to return to training alongside his teammates, he will need a more extended training period before being eligible for selection in the senior team.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is pictured at last month’s AFL Indigenous All Stars match. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“He has advised the club of his intent to return to training on Thursday,” Morris confirmed.
“This will not be a straightforward process for anybody. Therefore, football takes a back seat, while his emotional and mental well-being remain the top priority.
“However, if he can resume training on Thursday and work hard for two, three, or four weeks, he could be available for selection.
“But should he continue missing training, there is a strong possibility he won’t play until mid-year.”
Ugle-Hagan has previously reported that personal challenges and family issues have contributed to his absence from the game. The club is providing ongoing support as he navigates these hurdles.
“I’ve certainly faced my share of ups and downs with family loss, and it has been tough to juggle that with training,” he told Seven last month.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan celebrates a goal during a match against the Lions at Marvel Stadium in 2023. Getty Images
“It’s quite complex in terms of psychological challenges, but at the moment, I’m just focusing on enjoying my footy and giving it my all during training.”
During an appearance on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday, Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli addressed the matter without delving into specifics, given its sensitive nature.
“There’s definitely public interest, and as a football club, we have a responsibility to address it to some extent. Nevertheless, our main concern is that he’s a young individual grappling with challenges in his personal life,” Bontempelli stated.
“With the sensitivity surrounding this situation, all I can say is there are many people dedicated to supporting him. I am doing my part, along with numerous others both at the club and externally who are committed to helping.”
Ugle-Hagan previously took a personal leave last season, which resulted in missing two games as he returned to his family in south-west Victoria.
Since making his debut in round 17 of 2021, he has played 63 senior matches and scored 103 goals. Ugle-Hagan also committed to a two-year contract extension last May, ensuring his place with the Bulldogs until the end of 2026.
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