- Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is under the AFL’s mental health plan
- Has now been revealed he might have turned the corner
Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has addressed teammates on his return to Whitten Oval for the first time since taking a leave of absence seven weeks ago.
Ugle-Hagan fronted the Dogs’ playing group on Monday, in a move that could open the door for the troubled forward to return to action this year.
The 23-year-old also took part in a light training session but could still be weeks away from a possible playing comeback at VFL level.
Ugle-Hagan hasn’t played a game this season while dealing with personal issues, and has been unable to regularly train with the Bulldogs since late last year.
The 2020 No.1 draft pick recently visited a health retreat in northern NSW in an effort to get his life and career back on track.
He also spent time in Sydney.
Ugle-Hagan (pictured during a match in 2023) hasn’t been a regular at Bulldogs training since late last year as he seeks to overcome off-field issues
The talented forward (pictured with ex-girlfriend Olivia Kelly) is now looking at a possible comeback through the VFL after taking a huge step with his club
Ugle-Hagan’s absence has given rise to rumours he could be keen on a switch to Sydney with the Swans – but the Dogs have shot that down
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised the prospect of Ugle-Hagan resuming his 67-game AFL career with the club.
‘He’s come back from a month of doing everything he can to sort of refocus and work out what’s next in his life and the next steps, and the proposition of playing some football is there,’ Beveridge said on Wednesday.
‘Whether it’s in the distance or whether it’s a month-and-a-half away, I couldn’t tell you.
‘But we’re hoping to have him back in it at the football club really soon and that’s about all I can tell you.’
The AFL would need to approve Ugle-Hagan’s comeback because he has been under the league’s mental health plan since taking leave.
Ugle-Hagan, who is contracted until the end of next season, has also been the subject of trade speculation this year, with the Sydney Swans considered possible suitors.
However, Beveridge recently swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move at the end of the season, declaring him ‘our player’.
‘I’ve got no thoughts that he won’t be here next year,’ Beveridge said earlier this month.
Ugle-Hagan led the Bulldogs with a career-best 43 goals in 22 appearances last year, but has not featured at any level since the elimination final defeat to Hawthorn.
His return to the club comes with the Bulldogs (7-6) sitting ninth on the ladder, one win outside the top eight, ahead of a clash with Richmond on Sunday.
