'Renewed optimism': Jamarra Ugle-Hagan checks himself into health retreat
Western Bulldogs key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has reportedly checked himself into a health retreat as part of an attempt to get his life and footballing career back on track.
News Corp reported on Monday that the facility is not in Victoria and the Dogs remain hopeful of continued steps in the right direction.
A timeline for a return to Victoria has not been made clear, though the forward took indefinite leave from the club last month.
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Ugle-Hagan during 2025's Indigenous All-Stars game AFL Photos via Getty Images
Ugle-Hagan has not played for the Bulldogs so far in 2025, training away from the main group and dealing with mental health and off-field behavioural issues.
He was selected with the number one pick in the 2020 draft out of the club's next generation academy.
Veteran AFL journalist Sam Edmund labelled the development as a big leap forward for the 23-year-old.
"What's that old saying? Often it gets darkest before the dawn," Edmund told SEN.
"I'm no expert in this space, but I would have thought something like this is a positive step because it means that Jamarra is seeking the help he needs.
"He is taking an active decision to get himself right, get himself better and get himself available to returning to his profession.
"There are a number of health parameters that the AFL has now put in place before Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is granted a path back to the game and back to the Western Bulldogs.
"That all appears a long way down the track, but you would have thought if he's taken an option and a choice such as this that there would be some renewed optimism that he can turn the corner."
Ugle-Hagan has played 67 games for the Dogs, the last of which being 2024's elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
