Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has revealed just how close he came to suffering a serious injury after the footy star was present at a Melbourne nightclub when a firearm was discharged in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Western Bulldogs forward also revealed that he was left feeling ‘traumatised’ after the incident, which is understood to have taken place outside of Prahran’s Love Machine nightclub.
Police were called to an incident at approximately 2.25am on Sunday morning, having been alerted to a disturbance at the nightclub.
The 23-year-old, who has not featured for the Bulldogs this year due to personal issues, explained to The Herald Sun that he had spoken to Victoria Police following the incident and said that he was being treated ‘as a witness’.
‘It was that close to me, I’m lucky I wasn’t hit,’ the 2020 No 1 draft pick told the Herald Sun.
‘I wasn’t involved with anything, as the police know.
‘There were 20 people around me and probably another 100 at the venue, but my name is being mentioned like I have some kind of part in it.
‘I’m linked just by being there. It’s trial by media.
‘It is out of my control.
‘It is traumatising and no one should be near or see any of that.’
The Herald Sun reports that the 23-year-old had been getting into a rideshare vehicle when the shot was fired.
He added that the incident had left him feeling fearful of walking around in public, with the event having heightened his anxiety.
Ugle-Hagan has previously spoken of his commitment to getting back into Luke Beveridge’s first-team and has returned to training in recent months, after heading north to participate in a wellness camp.
However, the footy star admitted that being in the nightclub on Sunday morning was not a great look.
‘People need to understand I’m safe,’ he said.
‘Which is the biggest thing – I’m not even involved, but I can’t let this get to me.
‘I’m lucky I’m alive and nothing happened, as it was only a metre away (from me).’
Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia that no injuries had been reported following the nightclub incident.
‘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.’
Earlier in August, the Bulldogs star, who has not played for his club since March 2025 due to mental health, revealed to News Corp that he was ‘getting much better’ as he looked to make his return to football.
‘I’m journaling 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.
‘I love training myself and putting myself through something I can get better at. It is an easier way for me.’
He added that he has been spending time with his supportive friends to help keep his mental health on track.
Ugle-Hagan, who was the Doggies’ leading goal scorer during the 2024 campaign, has made 67 AFL appearances for the Melbourne-based club, having debuted back in 2021.
