Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to try and make an AFL comeback, but it won’t be with the Western Bulldogs. 

The Bulldogs were expected to make a call on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s future early this week as the out-of-favour forward prepares for his exit interview. 

Now it appears the Bulldogs star has made the decision for them. However any deal done would need to be completed via a trade, complicating the chances of him finding a new home because of his hefty $800k price tag. 

The Dogs could seek a negotiated settlement on the remainder of his deal, that runs until the end of 2026, if no club picks Ugle-Hagan up before the end of the trade period 

The decision comes at the end of a season in which the former No.1 draft pick did not play a single game at any level, leaving both his career and the club in limbo.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan faces uncertain future at Whitten Oval after a season without a single senior or VFL game

The troubled forward prepares for an early-week exit interview as the Western Bulldogs weigh up trade and settlement options

Ugle-Hagan remains under contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth upwards of $800,000 a year, but it is widely believed he will not be at Whitten Oval next season. 

The Bulldogs are now weighing up whether to explore a trade, pursue a negotiated settlement, or cut their losses in another way.

The 21-year-old’s turbulent year reached a low point in August when he was caught up in a nightclub shooting in Prahran. There is no suggestion that he was involved in the incident, but was present at the Love Machine nightclub when it happened.

Ugle-Hagan later revealed he was standing just a metre from where a bullet struck, describing himself as ‘lucky to be alive.’ 

The frightening episode highlighted the off-field issues that have increasingly dominated discussion of his career and raised further concern about his wellbeing and lifestyle choices.

That incident followed months of absence from football. Ugle-Hagan began the year on a flexible training program following personal tragedy and in April officially took a leave of absence to focus on his mental health. 

He later admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts and a deep loss of connection with the game.

In June, he delivered an emotional video message to teammates apologising for his struggles and vowing to try again. 

Ugle-Hagan admits he was ‘lucky to be alive’ after narrowly avoiding a stray bullet in Prahran nightclub shooting

He returned briefly to training but never pushed for selection, and by season’s end had failed to feature in either the AFL or VFL sides. 

For the Bulldogs, it meant managing the difficult balance between supporting a young man in crisis and addressing the practical realities of a list spot and a heavy salary commitment.

Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the delicacy of the situation, saying recently that Ugle-Hagan needs a ‘fresh start.’ 

He would not be drawn on whether that opportunity might still exist at the Bulldogs, but his comments underlined the growing belief that the club and player will part ways.

Trade speculation has already begun, with Sydney floated as a potential suitor. 

Any rival club would need to do extreme diligence before considering a deal, wary of taking on both the contract and the risks that come with it. Ugle-Hagan’s management, however, insists he is capable of redemption.

Prominent agent Paul Connors said last week he still believes in his client’s talent and commitment, pointing to Jesse Hogan’s successful revival at Greater Western Sydney as proof that players can rebuild careers after serious setbacks. 

‘He looks fit, he’s got an appetite for training, he trains hard,’ Connors said. 

‘I think he can still play, so it’s just if someone is going to give him an opportunity. You might have to go ten steps back to go twenty forward, but let’s see.’