Can you imagine being just a meter away from a gunshot and feeling like your life could have changed forever? Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, forward for the Western Bulldogs, experienced this horrifying reality when he found himself near a non-fatal shooting outside Love Machine nightclub in Prahran early Sunday morning.

Ugle-Hagan was at the venue with a friend when chaos erupted, and he’s now speaking out for the first time about the terrifying incident. At just 23 years old, the young athlete expressed his disbelief, saying, “I’m lucky I wasn’t hit.” He emphasizes that he had nothing to do with the violence that unfolded and was treated by police as a mere witness to the events.

“There were 20 people around me and probably around 100 at the venue, but my name is being mentioned like I have some kind of part in it,” Ugle-Hagan lamented to the Herald Sun. He describes the experience as “trial by media,” feeling powerless as speculation spiraled around him despite his clear innocence. “It is traumatizing, and no one should be near or see any of that,” he added.

As a rising star who has yet to play this season due to personal battles, Ugle-Hagan's life has been anything but easy. Just as he was getting into a rideshare vehicle, the gunfire erupted nearby. It’s a stark reminder of the toll such traumatic events can take on mental health. He admits, “This definitely takes a massive toll on my anxiety and stress,” a sentiment many can relate to when faced with sudden danger.

The nightclub itself, Love Machine, has had a dark history. Known for its violent past, it has seen more than its share of tragedy, including a man who was stabbed to death earlier this year and a drive-by shooting that claimed two lives back in 2019. The troubling incidents surrounding this venue only amplify the stress surrounding Ugle-Hagan's situation.

Compounding his troubles, Ugle-Hagan has faced challenges both on and off the field. He was previously cleared of any wrongdoing concerning his car's involvement in an alleged drive-by shooting and has been on leave from the Bulldogs for most of this season due to personal issues. While his talent shines bright, his future with the club now hangs in a precarious balance.

Despite having a lucrative contract with the Bulldogs until 2026, the speculation surrounding his potential trade looms large. AFL reporter Jon Ralph discussed his situation on Fox Footy, indicating that Ugle-Hagan finds himself in difficult positions repeatedly, often linked with troublesome individuals. “The Dogs are in such an impossible position,” Ralph stated. “They’ve got to pretend everything is going well with Jamarra because they want to trade him at the end of the season.”

The tension surrounding Ugle-Hagan’s contract and mental health needs to be addressed with sensitivity. It seems the club hopes for a trade, while also being aware that they may need to settle with him if no deal is reached. “If he’s 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 observed. “He could be Tarryn Thomas in a heartbeat. You don’t have a birthright to play AFL football, no matter how extraordinarily talented you are.”