Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has taken another leave of absence from the club as he continues to navigate personal challenges, the club confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
The 23-year-old, who was the No.1 draft pick in 2020, has not featured in a game this season and has been training only intermittently. The latest development casts fresh uncertainty over his future in the AFL, with no timeline set for his return.
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A statement from the Bulldogs said the decision was made “mutually” by Ugle-Hagan, his family, management, the club and the AFL. “A management plan has been developed with Jamarra,” the club noted, while urging respect for his and his family’s privacy.
Concerns mount over young forward’s future
Previously, head coach Luke Beveridge had openly questioned whether Ugle-Hagan, who last played in the 2024 elimination final, would return to the field at all.
In a recent interview with News Corp, Beveridge said, “We are all concerned about him. I don’t know (if he will ever play AFL again), that is the serious answer. He will tell you he does, but the actions don’t back the words up.”
He added, “If it doesn’t happen over the remainder of the season, then I don’t know. It will probably come to a head… It’s going to take a lot of time to build trust again with everyone.”
The Bulldogs had earlier placed Ugle-Hagan on a “flexible” training plan. However, after footage recently emerged of the young forward drinking and partying, calls grew for the club to take more definitive action.
Executive Manager of Men’s Football, Sam Power, reiterated the club’s stance: “Jamarra’s health and wellbeing remains the absolute priority and he will be given whatever time he needs. We will continue to support Jamarra throughout this period.”