Jamarra Ugle-Hagan: Mental Health & AFL Return Bid
- AFL player Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health, revealing the personal challenges he has faced.
- Ugle-Hagan recounted an incident where he recreated Nicky Winmar's famous gesture of pointing to his skin while facing the crowd.
- He also addressed his absence from the Bulldogs' centenary anniversary match, explaining he was supporting a close friend struggling with suicidal thoughts.
AFL star Jamarra ugle-Hagan bravely opens up about his mental health struggles, revealing personal battles with racism, family tragedies, and his unwavering commitment to the Western Bulldogs. In a candid discussion,Ugle-Hagan shares the profound impact of a friendS suicide attempt,which led to his absence from the bulldogs’ centenary match,and his own experiences with loss,including the suicides of family members. He powerfully recounts recreating Nicky Winmar’s iconic gesture as a symbol of solidarity. Discussing his anxiety about returning to the club, Ugle-Hagan emphasizes the need for self-care and the strong support system he has found within the Bulldogs, including from coach luke Beveridge and CEO Ameet Bains, who he considers a brother. News Directory 3 follows Ugle-Hagan’s journey, as he strives to regain his place in the team and contribute to their success, and as he reaffirms his intention to “kick a f—ing goal” for the Bulldogs. Discover what’s next for Ugle-Hagan and his impact on the team.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan Opens Up About Mental Health Challenges
Updated June 22, 2025
AFL player Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health, revealing the personal challenges he has faced. The Western Bulldogs star detailed his experiences with racism, family tragedies, and the support he has received.
Ugle-Hagan recounted an incident where he recreated Nicky Winmar’s famous gesture of pointing to his skin while facing the crowd. He emphasized the importance of speaking out and finding solace in shared experiences. “You think you are alone and no one understands, but when you speak up and hear people’s stories, it makes you feel so much better … knowing they’re going through the same thing you are,” Ugle-Hagan said.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan recreated Nicky Winmar’s famous gesture by facing the crown and pointing to his skin in 2023.Credit: Getty Images
He also addressed his absence from the Bulldogs’ centenary anniversary match, explaining he was supporting a close friend struggling with suicidal thoughts. Ugle-Hagan brought his friend to Melbourne for the weekend.
Growing up in Framlingham, near Warrnambool, Ugle-Hagan revealed that he has faced suicide within his own family. “We found our cousin in his room.I found my uncle, or my family found our uncle, in the gutter down the road from our house,” he said. “The shit I have seen. I have seen a lot more than that as well.”
No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-hagan celebrates with family on draft night.Credit: Getty Images
Amid speculation about his future, Ugle-Hagan affirmed his commitment to the Western Bulldogs. He stated his focus is on proving himself at training and contributing to the team’s success. “I’m obviously still contracted with the ‘Doggies’. I still want to play for them and win a flag,” Ugle-Hagan said.
He added, “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 persistent to regain his spot in the team and is eager to play again. “I want to play footy. I can’t wait to play footy,” he said.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the game and his desire to contribute to the Bulldogs’ success. “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 [and] watching them. I will go to games at the end of the year,” Ugle-Hagan said.
Coach Luke Beveridge has voiced his support for Ugle-Hagan, emphasizing the club’s commitment to him. Ugle-Hagan also highlighted his strong relationships within the club, describing CEO ameet Bains as a “brother.”
“I’m good friends with the doctor and good mates with all the boys – there are different characters,” Ugle-Hagan said. “You go in there, they look after you, and they genuinely love you in there.”
He acknowledged the anxiety he feels about returning to the club,stemming from a sense of letting them down. “I will get anxious and have that anxiety about going in [to the club] because I feel like I did [let them down]. Regrettably, it was out of my control because my mental health was not in the right spot,” Ugle-Hagan said.
What’s next
Ugle-Hagan aims to continue working on his mental health and regain his place in the Western Bulldogs’ lineup, contributing to their pursuit of a premiership.