- Western Bulldogs star hasn’t played AFL at all this year
Footy legend Matthew Lloyd believes Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will never play another game of AFL footy after the Bulldogs star was allegedly caught up in shooting incident at a notorious Melbourne nightclub.
Ugle-Hagan was allegedly present at the Love Machine nightclub in Prahran when a gun was fired and a brawl broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police sources also confirmed that Ugle-Hagan and some of his associates have previously ‘been banned’ from other nightclubs in the same area, according to Seven News.
Several outlets have reported that the 23-year-old footy player was present at the venue when the incident took place, with Seven News reporting that the Bulldogs forward was outside the club with an associate when they were allegedly involved in a ‘disagreement with another group’ before the shot was fired.
The individuals involved in the altercation are understood to have fled the scene, barring Ugle-Hagan, who reportedly went back into the nightclub.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that Ugle-Hagan fired or was in possession of a firearm.
Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was caught up at a nightclub shooting over the weekend while he is on mental health leave from the club
Ugle-Hagan (pictured) has been cleared of wrongdoing by police, but footy legend Matthew Lloyd believes that the incident is proof he can’t be trusted by an AFL club
Although the troubled footy star was cleared of wrongdoing by police, Lloyd believes that the incident is proof he can’t be trusted by any AFL team.
‘My views last week, and I was strong on it, I don’t believe he’ll play another game of AFL football and I know you guys were surprised by that,’ Lloyd said on Nine’s Footy Classified.
‘I used the word trust. I don’t trust him. I wouldn’t want him at my football club. That’s the view I have on someone who is disrespecting the game and is disrespecting the opportunity that he’s got, in my opinion.’
Lloyd said that Ugle-Hagan being out at 2am hasn’t helped his situation.
‘What is he trying to do to fix that? 2.30 in the morning is not helping that. That’s where I feel the club has bent over backwards (for him). Is he just throwing it all back in their face?
‘I hate seeing that. There are so many blokes who would give their left arm to get that opportunity.
‘The money is going to run out and he’s going to ask himself in five to 10 years’ time – this is the sad part – ‘I wasted a golden opportunity to play AFL footy’.’
The Bulldogs have since released a statement stating they are ‘satisfied’ their player was ‘not involved’. He has not been accused of anything in the wake of the incident.
Lloyd (pictured) believes the Western Bulldogs star will not play AFL footy ever again
The footy star was reportedly present at Prahran’s Love Machine nightclub (pictured) when a shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning
Victoria Police are investigating the firearms incident outside the nightclub (stock image)
Ugle-Hagan has endured a turbulent 12 months, stepping away from football on indefinite personal leave as he struggled with severe mental health challenges he admitted left him at ‘rock bottom’.
‘Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating a firearms incident outside a licensed premises in Prahran on 17 August,’ Victoria Police told the Daily Mail.
‘Police were called to Malvern Road about 2.25am following reports of a physical altercation between a group of people.
‘It is understood that a firearm was discharged during the altercation before the parties fled the scene.
‘At this stage, there have been no reports of injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.’
Ugle-Hagan’s AFL career has been derailed by a series of setbacks, both personal and professional.
Ugle-Hagan (pictured) has been working hard behind the scenes to return to the AFL after a well-documented fall from grace
Earlier this year he checked into a mental health facility after admitting he was struggling with suicidal thoughts and unable to cope with the demands of football.
His off-field behaviour has also drawn criticism, with footage of partying and controversial social media posts fuelling headlines and prompting senior figures in the game to question his commitment.
Speculation about his future has linked him to potential lifelines at clubs including Sydney and St Kilda, while his place at the Bulldogs remains uncertain.
Despite the noise, Ugle-Hagan has insisted he wants to return, finish his contract and prove he can still be a key figure in the AFL.
Victoria Police and the Western Bulldogs have been contacted for comment.
Anyone with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
