Western Bulldogs' young gun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has bravely opened up about his personal battles with mental health, revealing how he overcame significant challenges to shine on the AFL stage.
The 21-year-old forward, considered one of Australian football's most exciting prospects, spoke candidly about the dark periods that threatened to derail his promising career before it had properly begun.
The Turning Point
Ugle-Hagan described reaching a critical juncture in 2022 when the pressure of expectations combined with personal struggles became overwhelming. 'There were times I didn't want to get out of bed, let alone train or play,' he admitted.
Support System
The indigenous star credited the Bulldogs' support network and professional help with turning his life around. 'Having people who genuinely cared made all the difference,' Ugle-Hagan explained, highlighting the club's mental health programs.
Breaking the Stigma
By sharing his story, the talented goal-kicker hopes to encourage other young athletes to speak up about their struggles. 'Mental health doesn't discriminate - it can affect anyone, even professional sportspeople,' he said.
On-field Success
Since addressing his mental wellbeing, Ugle-Hagan's performances have flourished, with the dynamic forward becoming one of the Bulldogs' most consistent performers this season.
His courageous decision to speak openly about his experiences has drawn widespread praise from teammates, coaches and mental health advocates across the sporting world.
