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Find your frequency hereUgle-Hagan gives update on his mental health journey
SEN • August 10th, 2025 4:35 pm
Warning, this story addresses topics some readers may find triggering.
Three words from Jamarra Ugle-Hagan his supporters will have been waiting months to hear, as the superstar continues his journey towards a return to football.
“I’m getting better.”
Yet to play a game this season, 2025 has been a rollercoaster for the 22-year-old who recently returned to Victoria after spending time in a rehabilitation centre in NSW to address his mental health struggles.
Ugle-Hagan has been on indefinite leave from the Bulldogs as he continues to deal with previously undisclosed off-field issues which in July he admitted had driven him to the point of suicide.
Now, working on himself, being back training with his teammates and surrounding himself with the right people are all contributing towards Ugle-Hagan seeing himself make progress.
“Mentally I’m getting better,” he told News Corp. “I’m journaling every morning as soon as I wake up.
“I feel like that is more in my interest now to get me through this tough time.
“Luckily I’ve got a good support team around me now.”
Once full of clips showing him out in bars and night life spots, Ugle Hagan’s social media is now fully focused on his recovery; boxing, wellness and back with his team.
He knows being in Melbourne puts a more intense spotlight on his behaviour and movements. It’s one reason he has been linked on numerous occasions with an interstate trade.
So where does his heart belong?
“Melbourne, all of Victoria, it's a massive role being part of the AFL system,” he said.
“Obviously it is going to be hard, and you do get recognised wherever you go compared to WA or Sydney, but that’s okay.
“It’s been a challenging year, but I love the Bulldogs.
“I love training myself and putting myself through something I can get better in. It is an easier way for me.
“I’ve got a support team. A family I’ve created in Melbourne and bonded with and that’s why it is so hard to definitely fall off now.”
