- Bulldogs star dealing with ongoing personal issues
- AFL icon Buddy Franklin said communication is key
- Ugle-Hagan, 22, will miss start of 2025 season
Footy legend Lance Franklin is willing to chat with troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – now it is up to the Western Bulldogs forward to pick up the phone.
It comes as Ugle-Hagan, 22, returned to training on Thursday as he continues to work through personal issues.
The former No.1 draft pick won’t be considered for selection until he returns to full fitness – with superstar teammate Marcus Bontempelli stressing patience is key.
‘Obviously, I won’t go into extreme detail. It is personal,’ he said on Fox Footy this week.
‘I understand there’s public interest….but the priority is, he’s a young human being who’s working through some challenges in his personal space.
‘All I can say is that there’s a lot of people putting in a lot of hard work to support him…. it’s a tough one.’
AFL legend Lance Franklin has offered to talk with troubled star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Ugle-Hagan, 22, continues to work through personal issues – he won’t be considered for selection by coach Luke Beveridge until he returns to full fitness
And now Franklin has declared he is happy to chat to the youngster who is often compared to the Hawthorn and Sydney Swans great, who booted 1066 goals in his decorated career.
‘There’s no doubt it can be hard, being in the spotlight at such a young age,’ he told Channel 7’s Sunrise.
‘I think the biggest thing for him….is just surrounding yourself with really good people and communicating with people at the Bulldogs.’
Franklin added that footy players ‘mature at different stages’ and if they are struggling, sounding out advice is crucial.
‘There’s so much pressure these days, a lot of players are under the microscope,’ he said.
‘You need to have chats with people you trust….that’s the only way you can get through situations if stuff is happening.’
In January, the Bulldogs confirmed the 2024 Jim Miller medallist had a different training arrangement to his teammates.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has struggled with personal issues all off-season, with reported concerns about the company he keeps away from footy
Ugle-Hagan enjoyed a sensational 2024 season with the Bulldogs after booting a career-high 43 goals
‘Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is currently undertaking flexible training arrangements as he deals with personal issues,’ a statement read.
‘With the endorsement of the football program, Jamarra has alternated his training between Whitten Oval and away from the club.
The club continues to provide its full support to Jamarra and remains in constant contact with him, his family and his management.
‘With Jamarra’s health and wellbeing of paramount importance, the club requests his privacy be respected.’
