Ex-No.1 Draft Pick Returns After 596 Days and Mental Health Battle
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan brought his coach to tears when he learned he'd finally return to professional football this weekend after battling mental health challenges that kept him off the field for nearly two years. The 24-year-old Indigenous star will debut for the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday after attending 12 funerals in one year and using the sport as his path back to wellness.
When Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick told Jamarra Ugle-Hagan he'd be playing this weekend, both men cried in front of the entire team.
It's been 596 days since the former number one draft pick last stepped onto an AFL field. The 24-year-old Indigenous forward didn't play a single game last season while battling what he called "a year from hell."
Ugle-Hagan attended 12 funerals in 2025 alone. The grief and mental health struggles became overwhelming, forcing him to step away from the Western Bulldogs, where he'd scored 103 goals across 67 games since being drafted first overall in 2020.
When the season ended, the Bulldogs traded him to Gold Coast for just pick number 74. It was a bargain price tag on a once-promising star, but it came with questions about whether he could return to form.
Gold Coast took the gamble and made him earn his spot back. Ugle-Hagan spent the first six rounds of this season playing in the VFL, working on his game and his mental health simultaneously.
Last week, everything clicked. He scored five goals in one VFL match, a performance too impressive to ignore.
Why This Inspires
Ugle-Hagan describes football as his medicine, a powerful reminder that healing looks different for everyone. Rather than rushing him back, the Suns gave him time and support to rediscover why he loved the game.
His journey back shows that stepping away isn't giving up. Sometimes it's the bravest thing you can do.
The Suns are currently sitting fourth on the ladder with a 4-2 record, proving they didn't need to rush anyone back. But Hardwick says Ugle-Hagan has earned this moment through dedicated work on and off the field.
"We're excited about what he is going to offer," Hardwick said. "We think he's going to be a big part of our future moving forward."
Saturday's match against Hawthorn in Launceston will mark a fresh start for a player who refused to let his darkest year define him.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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