Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has blasted the ‘bad influences’ he says derailed Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, admitting the Dogs were left ‘broken-hearted’ when the former No.1 pick joined Gold Coast.
Ugle-Hagan, 23, did not play a single senior game in 2025 as he battled serious off-field issues before being traded to the Suns for pick 74 in a move that shocked many in the AFL world.
And Beveridge has now made it clear that while the Bulldogs threw their full support behind the talented forward, some factors were beyond their reach.
‘He just lost his way off-field,’ Beveridge told News Corp.
‘We were obviously really concerned about it, and we are broken-hearted about it to a degree because we cared so much for him.
‘So I think all of us just hope he is finding his way. And then he can play.
Former No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan failed to play in 2025 amid serious off-field struggles
Coach Luke Beveridge admits Western Bulldogs were left broken-hearted as off-field influences derailed Ugle-Hagan’s promising AFL career
The AFL star rekindled romance with Liv Kelly, crediting her guidance for steering him forward
‘Sometimes you can’t control the bad influences in someone’s life. And the vices they end up becoming vulnerable too.
‘So we just hope he is going to be able to cleanse himself of all that and find his best footy again, and there will be no one happier than me.’
The Dogs engaged the AFL to help support Ugle-Hagan last year, including arranging a stint in a rehabilitation facility after alarm bells began ringing late in 2024.
‘Yes we did [support him fully], but there are things that are out of your control,’ Beveridge said.
‘Unfortunately he met people who influenced him in the wrong way.’
The collapse of what once loomed as a fairytale story was dramatic. Drafted with pick No.1 in 2020, Ugle-Hagan kicked 103 goals in 67 games and was viewed as the long-term spearhead of the Bulldogs’ attack.
Instead, his 2025 season unravelled completely.
‘All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health,’ Ugle-Hagan said last year.
Ugle-Hagan revealed mental health battles, admitting he questioned whether life was worth living
Since relocating north, Ugle-Hagan has showcased renewed focus, training hard and embracing Queensland life
‘It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate so I couldn’t drive, I just didn’t trust myself driving.
‘There were times when I would think about – to be honest with you – was it even worth living.
‘I went through a struggle where I didn’t want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom, and found [the] basement.’
Now, however, the narrative has shifted north.
Since joining the Suns on a one-year deal, Ugle-Hagan has posted a steady stream of images and videos to social media showing him training hard, soaking up the Queensland sunshine and embracing life on the Gold Coast.
He has also reunited with former girlfriend Liv Kelly, with the pair confirming their rekindled romance in December after previously splitting at the end of 2024.
The loved-up forward recently shared a gushing birthday tribute to Kelly on Instagram, writing: ‘HB [Happy birthday] to my girl. My love. My best friend.
‘Very grateful for you and for the way you’ve guided me toward the right path. I’ve got you forever.’
The Bulldogs arranged rehabilitation assistance after alarm bells rang late in 2024 over behaviour
Suns coaches praise his work ethic, while Beveridge insists he simply hopes Ugle-Hagan thrives personally
Kelly responded publicly, calling him ‘the man who made today and everyday special.’
The couple have been pictured together on the beach and enjoying life on the Glitter Strip, with Ugle-Hagan appearing relaxed and rejuvenated after what he previously described as hitting rock bottom.
On the field, Suns assistant coach Shaun Grigg says the change of scenery has already made an impact.
‘To his credit he’s showed up and earned the respect of everyone so far,’ Grigg said.
‘He’s put his head down and worked really hard.’
For Bulldogs fans, the sight of their former spearhead smiling in Suns colours may sting – especially if he rediscovers the blistering form that once made him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
For Beveridge, though, the focus remains personal rather than professional.
‘If he finds continuity and a wholesome lifestyle, he’s a chance again,’ he said.
‘And we just want the best for him.’
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