Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to try and make an AFL comeback, but it won’t be with the Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs were expected to make a call on Ugle-Hagan’s future early this week as the out-of-favour forward prepared for his exit interview. However, it now appears the Bulldogs star has made the decision for them.
The former No. 1 draft pick had previously been linked to the Sydney Swans, but their interest has reportedly cooled. The Dogs could seek a negotiated settlement on the remainder of his deal, which runs until the end of 2026, if no club picks Ugle-Hagan up before the end of the trade period.
This decision comes at the end of a difficult season in which Ugle-Hagan did not play a single game at any level, leaving both his career and the club in limbo. Despite remaining under contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth upwards of $800,000 a year, it is widely believed he will not be at Whitten Oval next season.
The Bulldogs are currently weighing up whether to explore a trade, pursue a negotiated settlement, or find another way to cut their losses.
The 21-year-old’s turbulent year reached a low point in August when he was caught up in a nightclub shooting in Prahran. There is no suggestion that he was involved in the incident, but he was present at the Love Machine nightclub when it happened.
Ugle-Hagan later revealed he was standing just a metre from where a bullet struck, describing himself as “lucky to be alive.” This frightening episode highlighted off-field issues that have increasingly dominated discussions about his career, raising further concern about his wellbeing and lifestyle choices.
This incident followed months of absence from football. Ugle-Hagan began the year on a flexible training program following personal tragedy and officially took a leave of absence in April to focus on his mental health.
He later admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts and a deep loss of connection with the game. In June, he delivered an emotional video message to teammates apologising for his struggles and vowing to try again.
Although he returned briefly to training, he never pushed for selection and by season’s end had failed to feature in either the AFL or VFL sides.
For the Bulldogs, managing this situation has meant balancing support for a young man in crisis with the practical realities of a list spot and a heavy salary commitment. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the delicacy of the situation, recently stating that Ugle-Hagan needs a “fresh start.”
While Beveridge would not confirm whether that fresh start might still exist at the Bulldogs, his comments underline the growing belief that the club and player will part ways.
Trade speculation is already underway, with Sydney floated as a potential suitor. Any rival club would need to conduct extensive due diligence before considering a deal, cautious about taking on both the contract and the associated risks.
Ugle-Hagan’s management, however, insists he is capable of redemption. Prominent agent Paul Connors said last week he still believes in his client’s talent and commitment, pointing to Jesse Hogan’s successful revival at Greater Western Sydney as proof that players can rebuild careers after serious setbacks.
“He looks fit, he’s got an appetite for training, he trains hard,” Connors said. “I think he can still play, so it’s just if someone is going to give him an opportunity. You might have to go ten steps back to go twenty forward, but let’s see.”
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