Ugle-Hagan open to Suns move, if trade can be brokered

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is open to a move to Gold Coast, should a trade be brokered with the Western Bulldogs.

The Suns have emerged as a potential suitor for the athletic forward, who appears to have played his last game for the Bulldogs.

A source with knowledge of discussions told this masthead on Wednesday that Ugle-Hagan would be happy to head north, but stressed there was much work to do before any trade was considered at the Suns complete due diligence on the No.1 pick from the 2020 draft.

New home: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan appears to have played his last game for the Western Bulldogs.Credit: Getty Images

Potentially complicating their interest in Ugle-Hagan is Carlton star Charlie Curnow, who, as reported by this masthead wants out of the Blues, with Geelong, Sydney and the Suns his preferred landing spots.

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Ugle-Hagan did not play a game for the Bulldogs this season because of his mental health issues. He remains on a personal management plan devised with his management, the Bulldogs and the AFL.

He has had his exit meeting with the Bulldogs, but neither Ugle-Hagan and his management, nor the Bulldogs, said the best way forward was a trade. He is contracted for next season.

Competition sources say the market value of the goal-kicking forward has slipped this year because of his off-field issues, for he has regularly been unable to commit to training and took personal leave. But his 43 goals in 2024 highlighted what a talent he is.

Ugle-Hagan or Curnow would be an ideal fit for the Suns alongside fellow marking tall Ben King, who booted 71 goals this year and overtook Tom Lynch as the greatest goal-kicker in club history.

Earlier this year, Ugle-Hagan revealed on the Rip Through It podcast he had had frequent suicidal thoughts during his mental health battle.

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“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. There were times when I would think about – to be honest with you – just not even worth even living.

“I went through a struggle where I didn’t want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom, and found basement. Definitely [there were suicidal thoughts]. Suicidal thoughts would come pretty frequently.

“Especially when I felt like I was on my own the whole time. The way I was isolated and put out in public.”

Ugle-Hagan said his time at a health retreat had been beneficial, and praised the support the Bulldogs had given him.

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