'I hit rock bottom': Jamarra Ugle-Hagan breaks silence on personal struggles in raw podcast interview

Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has broken his silence on his personal struggles, discussing his absence from the club, his mental health battles, trade rumours and his return to training.

The 23-year-old made his return during the week and has commenced training, in the hopes of playing footy at some level by the end of the year.

He had been on leave from the club since April for mental health reasons, with the club also frustrated by his off-field behaviour.

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He hasn't played at any level since the 2024 elimination final loss to Hawthorn.

Ugle-Hagan said external noise led to his decision to take a break from the club and check himself into a health clinic outside of Victoria.

"All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health," Ugle-Hagan told the Rip Through It podcast.

"It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate so I couldn't drive. I just didn't trust myself driving.

"There were times when I would think about – to be honest with you – just not even worth even living.

"I went through a struggle where I didn't want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom and found basement.

"Definitely (there were suicidal thoughts). Suicidal thoughts would come pretty frequently.

"Especially when I felt like I was on my own the whole time. The way I was isolated and put out in public."

Ugle-Hagan is clearly desperate to return to the field for the Western Bulldogs, labelling the idea of doing so in 2025 "grouse".

"I want to play footy. I can't wait to play footy," he said.

"I want to kick a f---ing goal in front of those crowds.

"I have been watching every single Bulldogs game. I have been supporting them, been watching them.

"I will go to games at the end of the year. I genuinely want to play one more (game), I want to play some games."

The key forward has been linked with a move to Sydney, but states he will see out his contract with the Bulldogs, which lasts until the end of 2026.

"I'm obviously still contracted with the Doggies and I still want to play for them, and I want to win a flag," he said.

"It's the Bulldogs until my contract runs out, and then hopefully, they offer me another one, but we will see how we go.

"They have given me opportunities since day dot, so why can't I get back?"

Ugle-Hagan is expected to train fully at the Dogs for a month before being considered for VFL selection in the lead-up to finals.

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