Liam Jurrah Story

[btdemon 482]

This may have already been covered in another thread so feel free to merge, but I just finished the book.

Apart from being thoroughly impressed by the work of Bruce Hearn-McKinnon, Rupert Betheras and those from the Melbourne Football Club who have assisted Liam in his journey, I was constantly thinking about those who have complained about the on field efforts of Liam and Aaron Davey this season. I strongly recommend that you read the book if you haven't already.

It sheds a great deal of light on the challenges to Liam becoming an AFL player in the first place, let alone what he has already achieved. It also points to the leadership shown by Davey amongst the indigenous players.

Those who would criticise their efforts this season should realise that their recently poorer performances* are not due to either a lack of effort or commitment. Often the form slump that players experience is ue to a number of factors, be they injury or personal hardships, that we, the supporters have no idea about. Both players have exceptional natural ability and I have every confidence that they will delight and excite us in the future.

* I use this term advisedly as Liam is our leading goal kicker for 2011 with 40 goals at an average of 2.22/game

[Whispering_Jack 30,654]

Thanks btdemon.

One of our posters has promised to write a review of the book.

We hope to have it up on the site shortly.

[baysidedave 246]

I thought Liam did okay this year, a few bad games but so did the club, Davey had injuries all year and played with no confidence but hopefully both will be back to their best next year.

[PartyTimeJohnny 537]

thanks BT,

i couldnt agree more

[dee-luded 2,959]

This may have already been covered in another thread so feel free to merge, but I just finished the book.

Apart from being thoroughly impressed by the work of Bruce Hearn-McKinnon, Rupert Betheras and those from the Melbourne Football Club who have assisted Liam in his journey, I was constantly thinking about those who have complained about the on field efforts of Liam and Aaron Davey this season. I strongly recommend that you read the book if you haven't already.

It sheds a great deal of light on the challenges to Liam becoming an AFL player in the first place, let alone what he has already achieved. It also points to the leadership shown by Davey amongst the indigenous players.

Those who would criticise their efforts this season should realise that their recently poorer performances* are not due to either a lack of effort or commitment. Often the form slump that players experience is ue to a number of factors, be they injury or personal hardships, that we, the supporters have no idea about. Both players have exceptional natural ability and I have every confidence that they will delight and excite us in the future.

* I use this term advisedly as Liam is our leading goal kicker for 2011 with 40 goals at an average of 2.22/game

The Liam Jurrah story? Already?

I think I'll wait to read his memoirs, his collective works. That may prove to be more fulfilling.

Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic for Liam to do what he's trying to do. The Journey he's beginning. But a book already.

[kieranbj 111]

The Book is not the story of Liam's career but rather a story of his journey from Yuendumu to the 'G.

Also it is a book about Liam's story but is not itself Liam's story.

The book is a great read and I highly recommend it.

[Nasher 33,617]

Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic for Liam to do what he's trying to do. The Journey he's beginning. But a book already.

Read the book first, have an opinion on it second. From what you've said it's painfully obvious you haven't read it.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Read the book first, have an opinion on it second. From what you've said it's painfully obvious you haven't read it.

I'm not interested in reading his book now Nasher.

I love what he's dioing. And I'm a huge 'Indigenous' & Australiana person. I love all our natural heritage, Peoples, Flora & Fauna. And stick up for it to the Hilt.

I'm all for The apology and all those things, and I'm active in doing things for indigenous Australia.

That way more than reading one persons book. And I'm not a book reader. I hate reading books.

I'm all for Liam continuing to try to Improve his game, and to one day maybe become a Melbourne Finals footballer.

But to me thats where he is atmo. Learning.

[btdemon 482]

In reflecting on "The Liam Jurrah Story" over the last couple of days I think we demon supporters owe "Rudeboy" a great deal. Apart from being instrumental, along with Rupert Batheras, in making it possible for Liam to be drafted, he has provided Liam with a stable and nurturing home base for his time in Melbourne.

Liam Jurrah is a rare jewel. He is the that player that comes along very once a generation. The type that we go to the game just to watch. During the late seventies and early eighties I went to watch the Dees nearly every week. The player that made it worthwhile was of course, Robbie Flower. Nowadays I live a couple of hours from Melbourne and get to about 6-8 games a year. The player that I am always most excited to see is Liam Jurrah. The likelihood of of him staying with the Dees with would be slim indeed, had Rudeboy not provided this base. If he went back to Yeundumu tomorrow, and never returned, we would still be talking about him in years to come.

Rudeboy has also reassured us via Demonland when concerns have arisen about Liam's fitness, form and wellbeing. Thanks again Rudeboy.

Above all else, the book gives us a much deeper understanding of the indigenous environment. I suggest that those on this site think the book was premature, read it as soon as possible. It may well change your view.

Thanks Rudeboy

Edited September 10, 2011 by btdemon

[DeeSpencer 26,081]

Just finished it myself. It seems Liam has an amazing team behind him and the club, in particular Stynes, Connolly, Davey and Flacky have done a wonderful job.

But Liam has also. His ability to compartmentalise his problems is obviously vital. His big issues at the moment appear to be playing within a structure, work rate and fitness/strength. In a way they are what every young talented forward puts up with so he's effectively caught up to his club mates with a traditional up bringing.

One issue with the book I had is that it mentions Walpiri football and Liam's football is about being extremely unselfish. Unfortunately I think I saw a bit of selfishness from Liam at times this year and I hope he gets rid of it.

Oh, and after reading the book unless you aren't human you really understand just how much trouble places like Yuendumu are in. It's not the locals fault, or the people trying to help, but they are all struggling from the mistakes made in the past. The traditional culture is more Avatar than Western World - ie. traditional law, initiation, belief systems etc and Western problems with alcohol, drugs, disease have just screwed it right up.

[Deefender 232]

I endorse bt's comments.

Readers of the book may consider passing their copy of the book onto their local school.

This has two benefits:

The writer of the book gets a royalty every time it's borrowed from the school library(a handy future earner.)

And the good story of Liam Jurrah becomes known.

Good luck Liam.

[RudeBoy 164]

In reflecting on "The Liam Jurrah Story" over the last couple of days I think we demon supporters owe "Rudeboy" a great deal. Apart from being instrumental, along with Rupert Batheras, in making it possible for Liam to be drafted, he has provided Liam with a stable and nurturing home base for his time in Melbourne.

Liam Jurrah is a rare jewel. He is the that player that comes along very once a generation. The type that we go to the game just to watch. During the late seventies and early eighties I went to watch the Dees nearly every week. The player that made it worthwhile was of course, Robbie Flower. Nowadays I live a couple of hours from Melbourne and get to about 6-8 games a year. The player that I am always most excited to see is Liam Jurrah. The likelihood of of him staying with the Dees with would be slim indeed, had Rudeboy not provided this base. If he went back to Yeundumu tomorrow, and never returned, we would still be talking about him in years to come.

Rudeboy has also reassured us via Demonland when concerns have arisen about Liam's fitness, form and wellbeing. Thanks again Rudeboy.

Above all else, the book gives us a much deeper understanding of the indigenous environment. I suggest that those on this site think the book was premature, read it as soon as possible. It may well change your view.

Thanks Rudeboy

Thanks for your kind words bt.

So there's no misunderstanding, this is not Liam's book, but rather my book about Liam and his journey from the Tanami desert to become an AFL player. My aim in writing it, was to promote a greater understanding of the pressures and hurdles Liam has had to overcome, being the first of his kind to ever play at the elite AFL level. Someone else - maybe Liam himself - will write a book about his football career in another 10 years, but that was not the purpose of this book. So it's not really a footy book at all, but rather a book about culture and humanity. Anyway, the book has sold really well and the publishers are about to go to a second pressing which is fantastic. For the record, I'm sharing the royalties with Liam and the Yuendumu football Club.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Well done Rude Boy, i met you once, you are a great asset to MFC.