I don't claim to be guilty 

But I do understand 

There's a Law, there's an Arm, there's a Hand 

- Leonard Cohen "The Law"

THE EXILE by Whispering Jack

Liam Jurrah's exile began when his flight landed at Melbourne Airport yesterday afternoon. An elder of the community of Yuendumu caught both within and between different cultures, he stands charged by the law of the land with unlawfully causing serious harm and being armed with an offensive weapon at night after an alleged machete attack left a relative in hospital with serious head injuries.

The charges will be dealt with at a future time but it must be remembered that nothing alleged has yet been proven and it has been reported that Jurrah has told Melbourne Football Club officials that he did not commit the assault.

One thing that is certain is that Liam Jurrah will spend the coming months living in a place far removed from the home and the community which was central to his being for the first two decades of his life. 

Three years ago, he moved out of the desert to undertake an AFL career, an endeavour that had the full support of his elders who decreed that he was doing so "on Warlpiri business". We don't know whether he will complete the task but that is only part of what has become a tragic story for the player and his troubled community.

For Jurrah's part, the physical and mental challenges that faced him were already daunting when he and another man from his tribe entered the Little Sisters Town camp in the remote Yuendumu community on Wednesday night but today they must seem almost insurmountable. 

His injured wrist will heal over time but Jurrah also has to contend with new systems introduced at the football club requiring a different style of game. It is still unclear as to whether he can adapt to those changes even without the emotional issues swirling in a background of unresolved conflicts among his own people far away in the remote desert settlement from which he has now been banished. 

The club and the player also need to deal with allegations that the events over which he was charged were fueled by alcohol. One would expect a player in rehabilitation to refrain from alcohol and if the allegations are true, this raises a team discipline issue that needs to be addressed - a matter requiring more than a modicum of wisdom given the cultural boundaries to be traversed in dealing with facts and issues and observing the various laws at play. Not the least of these is the powerful law that drives Liam Jurrah and is paramount to the people of his tribe and of who he is now an elder in exile.

There's a Law, there's an Arm and there's a Hand.

DEMONLAND NOTE For obvious reasons, we ask for discretion to be used when posting on this matter. Consideration needs to be given to Liam and to all of the parties including the injured man and we all hope for the best possible outcome for all concerned.

There are some fascinating articles in today's media about the subject, not the least of which is this brilliant piece from the ever insightful Martin Flanagan in today's Age - Jurrah: a man caught between countries.

There are some fascinating articles in today's media about the subject, not the least of which is this brilliant piece from the ever insightful Martin Flanagan in today's Age - Jurrah: a man caught between countries.

Martin Flanagan is the most insightful, thoughtful and lyrical voice in Football writing. Would that his pieces reached the broader public. His essays on Liam Jurrah and the complexity of his situation, which will sadly escape the kneejerk opinionating, will be the ones to read. If the understanding and empathy inherent in their deeper considerations could translate to LJ's woes then there may be hope of a 'best possible' outcome, but the reality is as we all know the likely end of a football career, and that is indeed a tragedy.

So far, the MFC has handled the situation with admirable sensitivity and direct action, and Cameron Schwab again shows his worth. He and I believe the club are showing that this is less a matter that will impact on our football reputation, but one that will underline the ethos of a club.

Star footballer denies central role in assault by Peter Hanlon in the Age

Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah can't escape his tribal past by Sam Edmund and Jon Anderson in the Herald Sun

There's lots more in both papers. Perhaps for the wrong reasons this time, there's no stopping the Demons from being in the forefront of the news. Hopefully, there will be more of the same for the right reasons.

The Herald Sun are already beginning their trial by media campaign:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/melbourne-footballer-liam-jurrah-warned-to-never-return/story-fn7x8me2-1226295469875

There's lots more in both papers.

Including some pretty damning stuff from the victim and his family on the front page of the HUN. I didn't think that witnesses to a case were supposed to publicly talk about their evidence before a trial or is that just what they say in films?

Including some pretty damning stuff from the victim and his family on the front page of the HUN. I didn't think that witnesses to a case were supposed to publicly talk about their evidence before a trial or is that just what they say in films?

None of that stuff was published in the NT press, so as not to affect the trial.

None of that stuff was published in the NT press, so as not to affect the trial.

Yeah but its on the internet and they have that in Alice Springs.

I doubt you will hear a peep from Liam. This is not something to fight in the media. It will be evidence based. From what I have read, Liam has denied it was him. His 'cousin' said it was him but it was dark and there was a group of about 9. Will be hard to pin on just one.

As well you might have someone who is keen to 'finger' a high profile person from the 'other side'.

This situation is clearly alien to most of us and I guess the outcome of this will be very much up in the air.

There are some fascinating articles in today's media about the subject, not the least of which is this brilliant piece from the ever insightful Martin Flanagan in today's Age - Jurrah: a man caught between countries.

Amazing article. Sheds a light really, on just what a distant world it is.

Including some pretty damning stuff from the victim and his family on the front page of the HUN. I didn't think that witnesses to a case were supposed to publicly talk about their evidence before a trial or is that just what they say in films?

I read that too - extraordinary to publish that regarding a sub judice case I would have thought.

Any lawyers here? Is that the sort of stuff that could result in a mistrial?

Still - H-S = headline grabber, or more like headline grubber.

Edited March 9, 201213 yr by monoccular

Including some pretty damning stuff from the victim and his family on the front page of the HUN. I didn't think that witnesses to a case were supposed to publicly talk about their evidence before a trial or is that just what they say in films?

How can the HUN have a public vote (yes/no answers only) about whether he should play footy again? Very poor form....

Hey Jack. Just a small, but at the same time significant thing. Little Sisters is in Alice not Yuendumu. Cheers.

How can the HUN have a public vote (yes/no answers only) about whether he should play footy again? Very poor form....

Would you expect anything else from the Herald Sun?

How can the HUN have a public vote (yes/no answers only) about whether he should play footy again? Very poor form....

They're milking the topic for all its worth - this'll go on for ages.

There is really little to say in relation to the specific incident, other than to acknowledge how sad and unknowable it is for any of us.

So a couple of comments on Liam and the MFC.

Many have speculated as to the immediate and even long term state of LJ's playing career - Some of the comments have been inappropriate, but with tact, it is not on the whole an inappropriate subject to broach (From all reports it has been foremost in Liam's thoughts throughout). In my view, his short term prospects should be unaffected vis a vis his behaviour. The MFC granted him leave for a serious matter, were seemingly understanding in light of his continued absence, and given his denial and the public record there is little to condemn him for. Therefore, in the short term, Liam's place in the side should be dictated by his ability to live during this time and as always whether he deserves his place on form, fitness, etc. etc.

As for the long term, I guess we shall leave that up to the NT courts to decide.

Also, as always the Melbourne Football Club has been classy and measured during this time. We're yet to see whether on-field performance can reflect off-field management...but at the very least, the club has projected itself as proud and principled for a sustained period of time (186 withstanding).

How can the HUN have a public vote (yes/no answers only) about whether he should play footy again? Very poor form....

50/50 result on that vote too.

ps: Sorry, I had to vote to see the results.

50/50 result on that vote too.

ps: Sorry, I had to vote to see the results.

That surprises me a bit. I would have thought the HUN readers would be much more in the "no" camp. Clearly it is complicated and no-one watching from a distance knows all the details. A Yes/no answer doesn't mean much.

Does anyone know the extent of the injuries. In the HUN article, Basil's wife says he had 6 stitches. For whatever reason, I was expecting the injuries to be more severe.

Does anyone know the extent of the injuries. In the HUN article, Basil's wife says he had 6 stitches. For whatever reason, I was expecting the injuries to be more severe.

Looking at the picture & listening to his talk, he fairly well.

I imagine from the police reports & the picture it's somewhere between 6 & 50 stitches.

What a bunch of jerks the HUN people are. When he was first detained, having no information, they publish a story which implies Jurrah couldn't handle the new regime at the Demons without giving any evidence at all. And of course they censored the comment made by my mate pointing this out politely. Now this.

Given the feud, anything is possible. Eg. false witness blaming a high profile person on the other side of the feud would be quite likley. It's all speculation at this point (and sadly may always be).

I don't think people should be trying to speculate on the outcome or evidence of the trial.

Thanks for your insight both from your personal and legal background.Very well stated for us to just sit back and now let the specialists sought this saga out.

I spent last night on my couch, bewildered, reading through the other thread which was locked yesterday, and read alot of things that really made me feel sad. Sad first of all for Liam, Basil and all of Liams people, sad for a few members of Demonland and sad for all of us really. But, I also found something which made me feel a bit more right, and that was a current of feeling that Liam, Basil and their people are more important than Football or even the MFC, and this is something I found quite refreshing. It is a terrible situation for all involved, and one which unfortunately, I feel is not yet over. Thanks must go to the media for largely, but not exclusively (HUN, you know who you are), showing a level of decency and sensitivity very rarely shown by such a pack of wolves. The most important thing I can hope for as a human being is that this sheds some light on the plight of indigenous Australians living in remote communities and that more is done to help them. Liam, I believe that you are a good person, and I hope more than anything that you come through this issue and can go on to make the most of your talents and use your position to try help your people as much as you can.

How can the HUN have a public vote (yes/no answers only) about whether he should play footy again? Very poor form....

Murdoch rag = ethics free zone

I spent last night on my couch, bewildered, reading through the other thread which was locked yesterday, and read alot of things that really made me feel sad. Sad first of all for Liam, Basil and all of Liams people, sad for a few members of Demonland and sad for all of us really. But, I also found something which made me feel a bit more right, and that was a current of feeling that Liam, Basil and their people are more important than Football or even the MFC, and this is something I found quite refreshing. It is a terrible situation for all involved, and one which unfortunately, I feel is not yet over. Thanks must go to the media for largely, but not exclusively (HUN, you know who you are), showing a level of decency and sensitivity very rarely shown by such a pack of wolves. The most important thing I can hope for as a human being is that this sheds some light on the plight of indigenous Australians living in remote communities and that more is done to help them. Liam, I believe that you are a good person, and I hope more than anything that you come through this issue and can go on to make the most of your talents and use your position to try help your people as much as you can.

I agree wholeheartedly. This incident has captured the imagination of many. I, for one, feel devastated. I remember teasing my wife because she seemed to take it personally when Princess Diana was killed. I kept telling her that she shouldn't feel like that for someone she didn't know. in effect, a celebrity. She explained that the whole Princess Diana saga represented a "bigger truth", especially to women. I still don't quite understand it. However, I do somehow feel the same about this situation.

Liam Jurrah represented many things to many people. He is one of the most gifted and exciting players I have ever seen. I regarded him as the biggest footballing jewell in the Demon crown, the reason many of us went to games. But his story means much more than that. His journey from Yuendemu has been well documented but this situation highlights just how remarkable a journey it has been. His dignity and determination have been an inspiration to many.

The events of the past few days are tragic for so many reasons and bring in to focus the intractable and complex problems facing indigenous communities that are so marginalised and just so different from the world we live in. If there is any good to come out of this it might be the insights gained by the broader community.

Liam's future seems so clouded. Like all of us, I don't know if he is guilty or innocent but either way it is difficult to imagine him being able to live a happy life from this point. I certainly fear for his mental and emotional health. He will live in exile and in "limbo" until the legal process is complete. The pressure he is under must be unbearable, from the media, his friends and community, the football club, and from all of us who may have the best intentions at heart. To a person with such dignity and such a burden of responsibility, the impact of such a loss of reputation is hard to contemplate.

When Bruce Hearn-McKinnon referred to this as being "Shakespearian", I think he was talking about the feud between the clans. The way things are panning out, I fear that it may have all of the elements of a Shakespearian tragedy. Let's hope not.