Jamarra Ugle-Hagan addresses Western Bulldogs teammates after ending two-month absence

Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has addressed teammates on his return to Whitten Oval for the first time since taking a leave of absence seven weeks ago.

Ugle-Hagan fronted the Dogs' playing group on Monday, in a move that could open the door for the troubled forward to return to action this year.

The 23-year-old is expected to resume training on Tuesday, with an eye towards a possible playing comeback through the VFL.

Ugle-Hagan has not played a game this season while dealing with personal issues, and has been unable to regularly train with the Bulldogs since late last year.

Beveridge not ready to call time on Jamarra's Dogs tenure just yet Photo shows Luke Beveridge walking during the Bulldogs win over Carlton Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is unfazed by recent reports linking Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with a move to the Sydney Swans as the club awaits the star forward's return.

The 2020 number one draft pick recently visited a health retreat in northern NSW in an effort to get his life and career back on track.

He also spent time in Sydney.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised the prospect of Ugle-Hagan resuming his 67-game AFL career with the club.

"He's come back from a month of doing everything he can to sort of refocus and work out what's next in his life and the next steps, and the proposition of playing some football is there," Beveridge said on Wednesday.

"Whether it's in the distance or whether it's a month and a half away, I couldn't tell you.

" But we're hoping to have him back in it at the football club really soon and that's about all I can tell you. "

The AFL would need to approve Ugle-Hagan's comeback because he has been under the league's mental health plan since taking leave.

Ugle-Hagan has also been the subject of trade speculation this year, with the Sydney Swans considered possible suitors.

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However, Beveridge recently swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move at the end of the season, declaring him "our player".

"I've got no thoughts that he won't be here next year," Beveridge said earlier this month.

Ugle-Hagan's return 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.

AAP

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