Luke Beveridge hints at Jamarra Ugle-Hagan return to Western Bulldogs after personal leave

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is hopeful Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will soon return to the club, opening the door for the troubled forward to resume his AFL career.

Ugle-Hagan is on a leave of absence as he deals with personal issues and hasn’t played a game this season, after being unable to regularly train with the Bulldogs since late last year.

The 23-year-old has recently spent time at a health retreat in northern NSW in an effort to get his life – and career – back on track.

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Ugle-Hagan last week posted a Rocky-style training montage that appeared to show his physical and mental health was improving.

On Wednesday, Beveridge said the Bulldogs are in the process of getting Ugle-Hagan back to Whitten Oval, with an eye towards the 67-game forward returning to action.

“We’re working through that. I’ve had some meetings with ‘Marra’,” Beveridge said.

“He’s come back from a month of doing everything he can to sort of refocus and work out what’s next in his life and the next steps, and the proposition of playing some football is there.

“Whether it’s in the distance or whether it’s a month and a half away, I couldn’t tell you.

“But we’re hoping to have him back in it at the football club really soon and that’s about all I can tell you.”

The AFL would need to tick off Ugle-Hagan’s comeback because he has been under the league’s mental health plan since taking leave.

The 2020 No.1 draft pick has been the subject of trade speculation, with Sydney considered possible suitors.

However, Beveridge recently swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move at the end of the season, declaring him “our player”.

“I’ve got no thoughts that he won’t be here next year,” Beveridge said last week.