There is renewed hope that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan could return to the AFL in the near future after the Western Bulldogs star opened up on his mental health struggles – and how he is battling them.
Ugle-Hagan, 23, has not played for the Bulldogs since early March 2025, with the club citing mental health reasons.
On March 16, during a Bulldogs match, he was allegedly spotted at a Melbourne pub instead of attending, prompting public criticism from Essendon great James Hird.
By late March, speculation surged on fan forums after 65 pages of posts detailed rumours about his absence and commitment.
In July, his ex-girlfriend Liv Kelly – who had lived with him since 2022 – posted a cryptic TikTok about ‘staying silent to protect someone,’ sparking intense debate.
She followed up with comments such as ‘We love a narcissist,’ which many fans interpreted as aimed at Ugle-Hagan.
Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan spoke candidly about his mental health journey and desire to return to AFL
Away from the field since March, Ugle-Hagan says daily journalling helps him manage his recovery and focus
The 23-year-old has found strength through supportive friendships, helping him rebuild his confidence on and off the field
On June 10, Ugle-Hagan revealed on the Rip Through It podcast that he had checked into a northern NSW health retreat after suffering suicidal thoughts and giving his car to a mate so he couldn’t drive.
He admitted his passion for footy had faded, filling the gap with drinking and socialising with friends.
Rumours of him moving to Geelong intensified in late July after he was tagged in an Instagram photo taken in the Cats’ dressing room on match day.
Despite the noise, he returned to Bulldogs training in early August, saying he wanted to stay and win a premiership.
Now he made a rare public appearance and declared that he was back in love with the game, working on himself in a bid to return to the AFL arena.
‘Mentally I’m getting better,’ Ugle-Hagan told News Corp.
‘I’m journalling every morning as soon as I wake up.
‘I feel like that is more in my interest now to get me through this tough time.
Ugle-Hagan checked into a northern NSW retreat in June, seeking help after experiencing suicidal thoughts and burnout
Ugle-Hagan attended the Melbourne International Film Festival as the guest of Logie-nominated actor Kylah Day (centre)
‘I love training myself and putting myself through something I can get better in. It is an easier way for me.’
Ugle-Hagan, currently single, says spending time with supportive friends helps keep his mental health on track.
On Thursday night, he stepped outside his comfort zone to attend the Melbourne International Film Festival gala at Hoyts Melbourne Central.
He later mingled at the lavish State Library after-party, chatting with MIFF board member and actor Tony Briggs.
Ugle-Hagan attended as the guest of actor Kylah Day, a recent Logie nominee for most popular new talent.
Also spending time with friend and content creator Brooke Blurton, he said they are part of a close-knit support group.
‘I’ve had some things go on this year and it has been challenging. But the fact that I can show up to events like this makes me feel a lot better,’ he said.
‘It is good to get out other than just football. Socialising is a really massive thing and just distracts yourself from, I don’t know, just natural life, your wellbeing.
‘It is a distraction and embraces who you are.’
‘I’ve got a support team. A family I’ve created in Melbourne and bonded with and that’s why it is so hard to definitely fall off now.
‘Luckily I’ve got a good support team around me now.’
