A New Beginning for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Gold Coast forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about a challenging period in his life, revealing that the AFL encouraged him to seek rehab during a difficult 2025 season if he wanted to return to the top-tier competition. This decision came after a tumultuous 2024, where Ugle-Hagan faced personal struggles that led to him missing the entire season as a Western Bulldogs player.
The 23-year-old has been candid about his mental health challenges, which included a four-week stay at a rehab clinic in Byron Bay. “I actually got told to do it (rehab) by the AFL, for me to come back and play games,” Ugle-Hagan shared with the Herald Sun. He emphasized that while he always believed he would return to the AFL, his mindset had changed significantly.
“I wasn’t myself. I didn’t have that right bubble. I was so numb to emotions, feelings I didn’t know that was affecting things around me, because of just the way I was and the environments I was hanging around with.”
Ugle-Hagan admitted that despite the support from the Bulldogs, he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to accept help. While leaders like Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton were checking in on him, his relationship with coach Luke Beveridge was strained. “We didn’t really speak all last year,” he said. “So it was a bit of a struggle and that was a little bit harder to come in the doors.”
However, Ugle-Hagan’s journey took a positive turn when he was traded to the Suns at the end of last year for Pick 74. Signing a one-year deal with contract conditions and a trigger for a second season, the former Pick 1 has already made an impact, earning a club debut in Round 7 against Hawthorn.
A Fresh Start at the Gold Coast
Ugle-Hagan’s commitment and talent have impressed Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, who is excited about his future prospects. “It was probably the first time I actually spoke about it, I just said to them that at the end of the day, you can read whatever you want to read on social media, but I’d love to show you who I really am,” Ugle-Hagan explained.
He added, “I promise you that I’m going to come here and do the best I can.” The team’s support has been crucial, with Ugle-Hagan noting that while there may have been questions behind his back, they backed him publicly. “They trusted me and said that would make a better chance for us to win a flag.”
This belief has helped Ugle-Hagan find the motivation he needed. “When I had that and had a bit of belief, it kind of made me feel a lot more supported and actually want to find that want more.”
Despite the doubts from others, Ugle-Hagan has proven that he can return to AFL football. “No one thought I was going to play AFL football again, but I did it. It was just against all odds, but at the end of the day, it’s good that I’ve got the choices and I’ve made the right ones now.”
Lessons Learned
Ugle-Hagan acknowledges that he made some bad decisions in the past, but those choices ultimately led him to where he wants to be. “Unfortunately, yes, I made bad decisions, but it still got me to the place where I want to be and need to be.”
His story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the strength it takes to overcome personal struggles. Ugle-Hagan’s journey is not just about football; it’s about resilience, growth, and finding the right path forward.
As he continues to build his career with the Gold Coast, there’s no doubt that his experiences have shaped him into a stronger and more determined player. With the support of his new teammates and the guidance of his coaches, Ugle-Hagan is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and prove that he belongs in the AFL.
