'Can't see him ever playing another game': Matthew Lloyd tips broken trust to end Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's career
Updated . First published at
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has expressed major concern for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's future in the AFL.
The Western Bulldogs forward and former No.1 draft pick is yet to feature this season after taking multiple periods of leave from the club, which date back to the end of last season.
The club has been working with Ugle-Hagan and the AFL to support him through personal and mental health issues, but his return to the field remains uncertain.
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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan last game was the Bulldogs' 2024 elimination final loss to the Hawks. AFL Photos via Getty Images
On Sunday, Bulldogs assistant coach Brendon Lade gave an update on Ugle-Hagan's situation, revealing that the 23-year-old has had further time away from the club in recent weeks.
"He still rocks up," Lade told 3AW Football.
"He's had a few things going on with his family the last week or so. So, we haven't seen him as much [over] the last couple of weeks.
"Prior to that, though, he was at every session and really putting his name up to play in the VFL and hopefully get back to some good footy before the year's ended.
"But at the moment, he's probably put himself back a couple more weeks and the way the VFL team is playing at the moment, he might be lucky to get a game."
Footscray is having a strong season in the VFL, currently sitting in second place on the VFL ladder, while the Western Bulldogs are hunting for a finals spot with two rounds remaining.
With Ugle-Hagan's absence a repeating theme, Lloyd cut a frustrated figure.
"'We haven't seen him as much the last couple of weeks, but before that, he'd been OK.' That's not the first time we've heard that," he told Nine's Footy Classified.
"So, Jamarra, he needed to come back when he first came back and not miss a beat, and he would be playing now if he didn't miss a beat ... at least VFL and with a slim chance [of senior footy].
"I never thought he'd play AFL because they've got too much there. They don't want to upset what they've already got in that forward line."
Because of Ugle-Hagan's inconsistent commitment, Lloyd believes the club has lost its trust in him.
"I would use the word trust. Right across the board at that club, there is no trust," he said.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in action for the Western Bulldogs. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"And if you don't have trust, you have nothing.
"When you don't show up, and you miss a session — miss one — well then you start to go, 'OK, I'm not sure about this bloke'. You miss a second, the trust is gone, and it's a long way back."
Based on the broken trust, Lloyd believes Ugle-Hagan's AFL career could be over.
"I personally can't see him ever playing another game of AFL footy, with anyone," he said.
"That's my belief. That's how big the trust word is for me.
"To even just let him through your doors, firstly, and then getting a game is another story."
Asked if Ugle-Hagan could benefit from a new environment at a different club, Lloyd was sceptical if a trade would have any effect.
"To me, it's not about [the environment]. What's wrong with the Dogs' environment?," he asked.
"Like, it's on him.
"He needs to change. Forget about the environment."
Ugle-Hagan is contracted to the Dogs for the 2026 season, and, in June, expressed a desire to return to footy this year.
