Hi Demonlanders,

I didnt go to the family day this year but just watched the grab here - http://www.melbourne...36/default.aspx - and noted that Aaron Davey mentioned that Liam Jurrah was a no show this year. I realise he has prob just finished surgery, but do we know why he did not attend?

I am hoping somone from the club gave an explanation. I only get worried because we all understand the challenges for Liam living down here in Melbourne and away from his community. We also all know that these challenges sometimes cause players to walk away from the game. I am always fearful of this with LJ.

Hope someone can shed a little light...

Breaking News: Jurrah granted leave

He's been granted leave to support his family. No indication of how long he'll be out or how serious the situation is. I hope that the news isn't too dire.

Hmmm this doesn't sound good.

I have a very uncomforable feeling about this.

Hopefully it's my MFCSS playing up and nothing more.

Hmmm this doesn't sound good.

I have a very uncomforable feeling about this.

Hopefully it's my MFCSS playing up and nothing more.

I'm getting the same uncomfortable feeling. Hopefully RudeBoy can pop by sometime soon.

One less to pressure JW for a spot in the forward line.

But I guess he was a number of weeks away any how.

I had mentally put him in the June box.

So probably no big deal.

Perhaps 2013 is his year!

Hmmm this doesn't sound good.

I have a very uncomforable feeling about this.

Hopefully it's my MFCSS playing up and nothing more.

Hmmn... Whats meant to be, Will be...

We've gained some hardness thru the footy dept'. and we've lost some, players like Wonna', Newts, Knocker Warnock, Bruce, etc... What will be will be.

i hope " LJ" is a starter for round one. he breathes life into the team and will work well with Mitch. Injuries are bad news! I remember reading that Liam commented he was injury free until the "shoulder". Now a wrist and more than one OP to fix it! Demoralising for him. We need him back. Round 2-3 via Casey is the word.

Hmm, Sean Charles ...

Sad news, a fully fit and commited LJ would certainly be an asset. I think a few Melbourne 'stars' might struggle under the new regime based on past form. At least i hope so.

One less to pressure JW for a spot in the forward line.

But I guess he was a number of weeks away any how.

I had mentally put him in the June box.

So probably no big deal.

Perhaps 2013 is his year!

Actually I think Watts would benefit from having Jurrah alongside him in the forward line. Would probably take a better defender.

Anyway, I hope Jurrah and his family are alright and that he'll return to Melbourne soon.

I'm going to look at the positives. There are a heap of things against LJ right now, to name a few:

1. Injury

2. Neeld's tough approach and game plan doesn't fit with the footy LJ put out last year

3. His community, whilst never a role model for stability seem to be having a lot of issues over the last year

If Liam can battle all this at once then he'll be really on his way to cementing his career. A bit of make or break isn't always a bad thing.

Edited March 5, 201213 yr by the master

No point Liam being in melbourne when he is injured.

Let him feel the red dirt for a while.

I hope he comes back charged up. Time will tell

Hope everything is alright with him and his family back home.

He seems a very determined and strong willed character, I don't think he'd be going home without good reason.

See what happens.

Anyone have any knowlege on what the issues are back home? I certainly hope he doesn't end up following in Aussie's footsteps.

Come back revitalised LJ!

Anyone have any knowlege on what the issues are back home? I certainly hope he doesn't end up following in Aussie's footsteps.

Come back revitalised LJ!

This might explain some of the trouble

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-27/man-jailed-for-stabbing-that-led-to-riots/3855120

Wish Liam all the best hope he comes back soon !!!

Geez what a pissoff. Hope all goes well 4 LJ & family!

Unfortunately this don't feel good, (hope i don't feel properly).

This might explain some of the trouble

http://www.abc.net.a...o-riots/3855120

Wish Liam all the best hope he comes back soon !!!

Good pick-up Diablo.

I'm in no position to comment on how these issues effect or are are dealt with in the Aboriginal communities but I can only imagine in a small community like Yuendumu that they are magnified ten times over.

Can only otherwise hope that we see LJ back soon and he is able to get back to doing what he does best which is lead his people by example on the footy ground.

The issues which Liam is dealing with are family related and are his personal business so I won't elaborate here or anywhere else. However, as he was still recovering from his wrist surgery and was a few weeks away from playing again, the club has been terrific in granting Liam some personal leave to sort some matters out back home. I expect him to return shortly eager to complete his rehab and be ready to do his bit for the team. The club should be congratulated for the understanding and support they have shown Liam.

Thanks Rudeboy.

I'm glad the club are giving him the time he needs.

When do you think he'll be back?

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain [censored]. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain bullshit. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

The club may not be a welfare agency, but if it wants to be an attractive club to play at, showing some compassion for its players when they go through a tough personal time is essential. I'd be horrified if the club treated a player in need in that manner, and so too would players considering signing or re-signing with the MFC.

I don't believe it's in Liam's character to "chicken out" of what he's made a commitment to - to both his community and his club. He'll be back.

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain [censored]. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

Geez, I'm glad I don't work for you.

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain [censored]. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

Yeah too right and whilst we're at it lets get rid of paid: maternity leave, paternity leave, compassionate leave, carers leave and even sick leave. All that leave is just plain [censored]. Employers are not welfare agencies! (oh except the ones that are - and they don't have enough money to pay for the namby pamby frivolous leave listed above)

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain [censored]. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

Worst Post ever in the History of Demonland....

I have no problem with the leave so long as Jurrah is not being paid. He is welcome back any time, and to being paid when he rejoins the list.

If, however, he is being paid for his "leave", then it is just plain [censored]. The MFC is not a welfare agency.

That is just rude what you dont get paid leave how about you go away and think about what you just said because that was very rude if your family had a problem and your work said go away but were not paying you would be happy were not in the 1920s grow up