Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to miss Western Bulldogs’ pre-season camp in Noosa

Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will not attend the club’s pre-season camp in Queensland, as doubt over his availability for the first half of the season continues to grow.

The 22-year-old was again a no-show at club headquarters on Wednesday as his teammates were put through their paces for their last session before flying to Noosa on Friday.

Players and staff were told of the decision late on Wednesday, following an earlier discussion between the club and Ugle-Hagan, that he would be better off concentrating on his own health and wellbeing rather than travelling with the team.

The Bulldogs said last week that Ugle-Hagan had the backing of the football program to train away from the club. He has rarely been at Whitten Oval throughout pre-season, instead “undertaking flexible training arrangements as he deals with personal issues”, according to the Dogs.

One source close to Ugle-Hagan and another at the club – who wished to remain anonymous because of the personal nature of the situation – told this masthead the decision for the key forward not to attend the camp was mutual and made in the best interests of the player’s future.

Coach Luke Beveridge was absent from training and from the meeting, choosing to fly north by himself early to plan for the camp.

In a further blow to the Bulldogs, Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen will miss the start of the season after limping off the training track with a serious hamstring injury.

“After consulting specialists, the club has opted for a minor surgical procedure to ensure a full recovery,” the club said in a statement.

“This injury will see Jason miss the early rounds of the season, with the 32-year-old expected to be back full training within the next two to three months.”