Western Bulldogs standout Jamarra Ugle-Hagan reveals strategies to overcome his mental health struggles
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, the Western Bulldogs star, has been making a comeback to AFL training after a significant break due to mental health and personal issues. Ugle-Hagan has not played for the team since early March 2025, but he returned to train with the senior group in early August 2025, gradually working his way back into full fitness.
Ugle-Hagan checked into a northern NSW health retreat in June 2025 after suffering from suicidal thoughts and gave his car to a friend. Since then, he has been open about his mental health journey, signaling a commitment to staying in Melbourne and continuing his AFL career. The club remains supportive, with the coach noting Ugle-Hagan is "chipping away" and training when he can.
Ugle-Hagan made a rare public appearance at the Melbourne International Film Festival gala as a guest. He declared that he was back in love with the game and working on himself in a bid to return to the AFL arena. Ugle-Hagan has attended various social events to distract himself and improve his mental health. He stated that spending time with supportive friends helps keep his mental health on track.
Speculation about Ugle-Hagan's absence from the team surged in late March 2025 on fan forums, with rumors of him moving to Geelong intensifying in late July 2025 after he was tagged in an Instagram photo taken in the Cats' dressing room on match day. However, Ugle-Hagan has made it clear that he intends to stay with the Western Bulldogs and win a premiership.
Ugle-Hagan has a support team and a family he has created in Melbourne. He stated that he has a good support team around him now, and socializing is a distraction and a way to embrace who he is. Ugle-Hagan's current girlfriend, Kylah Day, has been a significant source of support, with the two attending the Melbourne International Film Festival together.
In July 2025, Ugle-Hagan's ex-girlfriend Liv Kelly posted a cryptic TikTok about 'staying silent to protect someone.' Kelly made comments such as 'We love a narcissist,' which many fans interpreted as aimed at Ugle-Hagan. Ugle-Hagan admitted his passion for football had faded, filling the gap with drinking and socialising with friends. He was allegedly spotted at a Melbourne pub during a Bulldogs match in March 2025.
Ugle-Hagan later mingled at the lavish State Library after-party, chatting with MIFF board member and actor Tony Briggs. Events like the Melbourne International Film Festival make him feel better, and he stated that mentally, he is getting better. Ugle-Hagan's return to AFL training and public appearances are a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome his challenges and continue his career in the sport he loves.
- Despite the rumors about his potential move to Geelong, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has made it clear that he intends to stay with the Western Bulldogs and win a premiership, signaling his determination to continue his AFL career.
- Ugle-Hagan's mental health journey and resilience are evident in his return to AFL training and public appearances, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining his health and wellness, as well as his passion for the sport of football.
- In addition to focusing on his mental health and football career, Ugle-Hagan has also been attending various social events and spending time with supportive friends, as a form of distraction and a means to embrace who he is, reflecting his involvement in the health-and-wellness and social aspects of life.
