When we talk about strength, this is what it looks like.

597 days ago, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan played his last AFL game. He wasn’t running away. He was fighting to stay alive.

No. 1 draft pick. 103 career goals. The most exciting young forward in the competition.

He didn’t leave because of injury. He didn’t leave because of form.

“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.”

He left because he needed help. And he was brave enough to ask for it.

He kept doing the work

He took leave from the Bulldogs and checked into a retreat in Byron Bay. He sat with the hard stuff instead of running from it. He let people in.

Then videos of him drinking surfaced online. The footy world didn’t hold back. Commentators called it a complete disaster and said he had forfeited all rights.

His trade value dropped overnight.

He could have folded under that weight. Most would have.

He didn’t. He kept doing the work.

He just chose himself

While the world had its say, he made a decision. He asked for help. Gold Coast opened their doors and gave him a second chance at footy.

He moved to a new city. He leaned into community instead of isolating. He let the right people hold him up.

Same person. He just chose himself.

His teammates couldn’t believe what they were seeing

Come pre-season 2026, his own teammates couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“He wasn’t in very good physical condition… now he’s probably the fittest he’s been in all of his career.”

Joel Jeffrey, Gold Coast Suns

“To his credit, he’s showed up and earned the respect of everyone so far.”

Shaun Grigg, Gold Coast Suns assistant coach

He didn’t just come back to footy. He came back to himself.

That’s courage. That’s accountability. That’s a role model.

On Anzac Day, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan ran out against Hawthorn in Launceston. 598 days after his last AFL game.

So Jamarra, thank you for asking for help. Thank you for doing the work. Thank you for coming back.

You’re showing boys everywhere that getting help isn’t the end of your story. Sometimes it’s exactly where your best chapter begins.

EDITOR NOTE

This article references suicidal ideation. Consider adding a safe messaging footer before publishing, e.g. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.”

Want boys to grow up knowing it’s okay to ask for help?

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