Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is dealing with "personal issues", having been given the green light to train away from the AFL squad during summer.
Ugle-Hagan has been on a modified training program, raising questions about whether he will be ready for the start of the Bulldogs' campaign.
It is unclear when the 22-year-old, regarded as one of the league's most exciting young forwards, will rejoin the Bulldogs' main group on a permanent basis.
"The Western Bulldogs can confirm that forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is currently undertaking flexible training arrangements as he deals with personal issues," the Dogs said in a statement.
"The club continues to provide its full support to Jamarra and remains in constant contact with him, his family and his management.
"With Jamarra's health and wellbeing of paramount importance, the club requests that his privacy be respected during this period."
The Bulldogs said Ugle-Hagan had been alternating between training at Whitten Oval and away from the club, "with the endorsement of the football program".
Ugle-Hagan missed two games in 2024 because of personal reasons then signed a contract extension, which runs until the end of the 2026 season, soon after.
The Bulldogs have a scratch match against Essendon on February 15 then play a formal pre-season fixture against Hawthorn on February 27.
Luke Beveridge's side, whose 2024 season ended with an elimination-final loss to the Hawks, face North Melbourne on March 15 in round one of the regular season.
