'Played the biggest role': Laura Kane's actions come to light after Ugle-Hagan's return
The AFL's executive general manager Laura Kane reportedly played a pivotal role in helping convince Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to return to training with the Western Bulldogs on Monday. Ugle-Hagan fronted the Bulldogs' playing group for the first time since taking a leave of absence seven weeks ago, and was seen taking part in light training drills.
Whether or not it opens the door for the troubled forward to return to action this year remains to be seen, but he could be weeks away from a possible playing comeback at VFL level. The 23-year-old hasn't played a game this season due to personal issues, and hasn't been regularly training with the Bulldogs since late last year.
Discussing the situation on Monday night, leading journalist Caroline Wilson claimed Kane has been "meeting semi-regularly" with Ugle-Hagan and has "played the biggest role of anyone from the AFL" in getting him back on the training paddock. "She's been involved in many of the meetings with Jamarra and has played a pivotal role," Wilson said on Channel 7 program 'The Agenda Setters'.
Wilson said Ugle-Hagan expressed remorse to teammates and staff on Monday, and the Bulldogs will be "cautious" when deciding when he might play again. Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday, fellow journalist Tom Morris revealed the return to training was sparked by Ugle-Hagan bumping into some teammates on Saturday night.
"Laura Kane has been meeting semi-regularly with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and she has - I think - played the biggest role of anyone from the AFL."Caroline Wilson on Jamarra's return to the Bulldogs 👉 https://t.co/M9q2CvkrTf pic.twitter.com/Y92cwObcWd
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 16, 2025
But Morris believes there are a number of Bulldogs players who need to see a lot more from Ugle-Hagan before the club can consider a return to playing. 'The club wasn't even 100 per cent sure that Jamarra would turn up on Monday. They were hopeful, he said he wanted to be there," Morris said.
'He bumped into a few teammates at the Osborne on Saturday night who were there for a teammate's birthday. He was saying he was going to be there on Monday, but as late as Sunday afternoon there wasn't any confirmation.
'He'd spoken to Ameet Bains, the CEO. He'd spoken to Luke Beveridge, the coach. He was there at the club, early, ready to go. He walked in, he spoke to his teammates. There was no apology or sorry per se, but there was an acknowledgment of remorse for the way things have panned out and some of his actions over the past few months.
'Which satisfied some people but there's still a section of the playing group that needs to be convinced that Jamarra is the professional an AFL player should be. It's going to take some time, that's for sure. There are still some players who are circumspect around his return. But they're willing to give him a go."
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd believes Ugle-Hagan won't play another game for the Bulldogs at AFL level, but the club will use him in VFL to get him ready for a potential trade. "I was surprised to see him back," Lloyd said on 3AW radio.
"For his own career and for him to play somewhere next year, he needed to go back and it's good for him, that helps him find a new home next year ... and it's good for the Dogs because it gets his (trade) value up and they can get something for him.
"He won't play a game for the Dogs. He might play four VFL games late in the year, but it's almost like fattening the cow, in a sense. They're fattening his value so the Dogs can get something for a former No.1 draft pick."
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Ugle-Hagan is contracted with the Dogs until the end of 2026, but has been the subject of trade speculation and linked with a possible move to the Sydney Swans. But Beveridge recently swatted away suggestions he could be on the move this year, declaring him "our player".
"I've got no thoughts that he won't be here next year," Beveridge said earlier this month.
Ugle-Hagan led the Bulldogs with a career-best 43 goals in 22 appearances last year, but has not featured at any level since the elimination final defeat to Hawthorn. His return to the club comes with the Bulldogs (7-6) sitting ninth on the ladder - one win outside the top eight - ahead of a clash with Richmond on Sunday.
with AAP
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