Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will miss the upcoming round one match against North Melbourne and is uncertain for the season’s commencement. Reports suggest that the 22-year-old, who was the No.1 draft pick, may not return until later in the season due to personal issues that have kept him away from training since December. Ugle-Hagan has been engaging in flexible training arrangements, away from Whitten Oval, as concerns about his health and well-being have grown among those close to him.
While the Bulldogs have not confirmed his absence for round one, it is believed that Ugle-Hagan will need an extended training period before he can be considered for selection. As he currently participates in a non-playing capacity with the Indigenous All Stars in Perth, the club’s acting general manager, Sam Power, emphasised the focus on Ugle-Hagan’s overall well-being before thinking about his football future.
The young player, of Noongar, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung descent, faced personal challenges last season as well, taking leave for two matches. Since his debut in 2021, Ugle-Hagan has played 63 senior games, scoring 103 goals, and recently signed a contract extension with the Bulldogs until 2026.