'We're not sure': Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge outlines blueprint for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with no return in sight
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has outlined the process ahead for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, as the troubled star continues to make steps towards a return at AFL level.
Ugle-Hagan hasn't featured for the Bulldogs this season after only returning to full training in mid-February following off-field issues.
In March, a report from 9news Melbourne's Tom Morris revealed that he missed two sessions following Victoria's Labour Day long weekend, which the club was aware of.
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Earlier in the week, Beveridge spoke on Fox Footy that he couldn't provide a definitive answer on a return to playing date for the 22-year-old.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs looks dejected after their 2024 elimination final loss to Hawthorn. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The coach has now clarified that doesn't necessarily mean he'll miss the whole season.
"I think people are using my words to maybe project that that's a possibility," Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.
"And when I said I can't be definitive as to when, it sort of alludes to the fact that that could happen. We're not sure, but applying yourself at this level, and having continuity with your preparation now is what he's after, what we're after.
"Once he gets that, it's just how long it's sustainable (for) at this point in time.
"Once you can sustain a period of time with that, then you'll be a candidate to make a return on the field."
Reports surrounding Ugle-Hagan have also suggested he's lost trust with the playing group and coach.
Beveridge admitted there's "life challenges" for his young star but didn't specifically say there's a trust issue.
"I mean the trust aspect, I suppose that's in the language and the messaging between Jamarra and the club, and I don't think we've ever said anything about that," he said.
"We just appreciate the fact that he's got some life challenges that then presents some impediments to him playing at this level. So it's not really a trust situation.
"It's just (about) 'How do we, as far as motivating an individual and then helping them become a self-starter again?'
"That's where we're at and there's evidence that he's self-starting better than he had been. And as I said, now we need a sustainable run with that."
