Luke Beveridge can't say definitively whether Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be at the Western Bulldogs next year as he hopes "starting afresh" in 2026 can revive the troubled forward's AFL career.

The 23-year-old hasn't played this year at any level as he deals with personal issues, while his training has been sporadic and he has taken time away from the club.

Ugle-Hagan was again in the spotlight this week, after he was in the vicinity when a shooting occurred outside a nightclub.

Beveridge said he couldn't comment on those circumstances, given they were a police matter, while former No.1 draft pick Ugle-Hagan hadn't been at the club recently.

"We haven't seen him for a couple of weeks. He's been home dealing with some stuff on the mission," he said.

"It seems like he's healthy enough, and he's still training on.

"I'm just hoping for him that the end of it all is there's an opportunity for him to play AFL footy next year."

Ugle-Hagan is contracted at the Bulldogs for next season but appears increasingly unlikely to remain there, if a trade suitor can be found.

When asked if he was in regular communication with Ugle-Hagan, Beveridge said "no".

He stressed the club was doing its best to help Ugle-Hagan as he worked through his personal difficulties.

"All you do is just try and help the person, which we've been doing with Marra," Beveridge said.

"He's been doing his best to help himself, and we feel like he's made some inroads - I mean, the trip up north to the health sort of retreat was good for him.

"And I think this season just was too far gone. So I think starting afresh next year is a good thing to think about and consider."

When pressed on whether "starting afresh" was at the Bulldogs or elsewhere, Beveridge said: "Well it remains to be seen.

"There's a bit of water to go under the bridge now at the end of the year and things to consider.

"So can't say definitively whether it be here or somewhere else."

Beveridge was asked if he wanted Ugle-Hagan at the Bulldogs - and indicated that was conditional.

"I'd love Marra to be here, if he's at his best," he said.

"Ultimately in an AFL program, you've got to be joining in all the time.

"So yeah, if the restart gets him there, then obviously, that'd be a great thing for the club and him, but we'll see how we go."

Anna Harrington - AAP