Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles for the first time since taking a leave of absence, revealing he experienced suicidal thoughts and hit “rock bottom”. The 22-year-old, who has not played this season, spoke on the Rip Through It podcast about his battle with depression and alcohol use.
Ugle-Hagan said he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism before entering a health retreat in northern New South Wales. “All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health,” he said. “It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate, so I couldn’t drive – I just didn’t trust myself driving.”
The former No 1 draft pick credited his girlfriend for helping him find the right path. “She’s been my rock,” he said. “She guided me to get help and stick with it.” Ugle-Hagan rejoined his Bulldogs teammates this week for light training and hopes to make a comeback at VFL level, though he remains under the AFL’s mental health plan.
Despite trade speculation linking him to Sydney, Ugle-Hagan reaffirmed his commitment to the Bulldogs. “I’m obviously still contracted with the Doggies and I still want to play for them and I want to win a flag,” he said. Coach Luke Beveridge has also dismissed trade rumours, calling him “our player”.
