Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has described himself as “lucky to be alive” after narrowly escaping a non-fatal shooting outside a nightclub in Prahran, Melbourne. The 23-year-old was just a meter away from the incident, which he claims he had no involvement in.
Ugle-Hagan was at Love Machine nightclub with a friend early Sunday morning when shots were fired. In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, he emphasized his role as a witness rather than a participant in the event. “It was that close to me, I’m lucky I wasn’t hit,” he said. “I wasn’t involved with anything, as the police know. There were 20 people around me and probably another 100 at the venue, but my name is being mentioned like I have some kind of part in it.”
Incident Raises Concerns Over Nightclub Safety
The shooting at Love Machine is the latest in a series of violent incidents at the venue. In April, a man was fatally stabbed after reportedly being chased from the nightclub. In 2019, a drive-by shooting resulted in two deaths. These events have raised significant concerns about safety and security at the popular nightspot.
Ugle-Hagan, who was getting into a rideshare vehicle at the time of the gunshots, expressed the emotional toll the incident has taken on him. “It definitely takes a massive toll on my anxiety and stress,” he admitted, acknowledging that being at the venue at such an early hour was not ideal.
Personal Challenges and Professional Uncertainty
This incident adds to a series of off-field personal challenges for Ugle-Hagan. Earlier this year, he was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to his car’s alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting. The forward has been on leave from the Western Bulldogs for most of the season due to personal issues, though he has returned to training intermittently.
Despite his lucrative contract with the Bulldogs through 2026, Ugle-Hagan’s future with the club and in the AFL remains uncertain. Trade rumors have circulated throughout 2025, with the club reportedly considering a settlement if a trade does not materialize.
“Unfortunately he just keeps finding himself in really troubled positions and unfortunately with people who bring trouble upon him as well,” said Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
Implications for Ugle-Hagan and the Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs face a complex situation with Ugle-Hagan. They must balance supporting the player’s mental health needs while considering the financial implications of his contract. Ralph noted that the club might seek to recoup some money from missed training sessions, though they have worked with the AFL to ensure Ugle-Hagan receives necessary mental health care.
“They’ll hope someone trades for him. If he is still on their list, at the end of this situation I think the only scenario for them is to say: ‘Here’s your payout … here’s $500,000’,” Ralph added.
The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by AFL clubs in managing player welfare alongside performance expectations. As Ugle-Hagan navigates his personal and professional hurdles, the Bulldogs must decide how best to proceed with a player of his talent and potential.
Looking forward, the club and Ugle-Hagan will need to find a resolution that supports his wellbeing while addressing the realities of professional sports. The next few months will be crucial in determining his future in the AFL.
