Liam Jurrah on 7.30

[M_9 1,758]

Item on 7:30 Report tonight.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

For anyone interested there is a story on Liam Jurrah on 7.30 tonight on ABC1.

In 2009, there was a story Jurrah on the same program which made tremendous viewing. Sadly, I don't think tonight's story will be as uplifting.

[Demon_spurs 1,706]

Nothing we haven't seen before, really the only news was he was due for release after spending 3 months in jail, and that local football teams have been asked to not consider playing footballers that have found guilty of domestic violence.

I am sad for the man and the choices he has made, I am also selfishly sad because he could have been a legend for our club. I still occasionally get my Air Jurrah t shirt and wear it around the house.. Maybe I will wear again in public one day.

[Demonstone 19,684]

I've only just finished reading Bruce Hearn McKinnon's book on Liam and would recommend it highly for anyone seeking greater insight into his life and culture.

Sadly, I can't see a return to top level footy for Liam but wish him happiness and a peaceful life.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

He could have been anything and seeing those few highlights tonight reminded me of this.

EDIT: Glad to hear there are still some Air Jurrah t-shirts floating around. It was pretty cool to see when Moloney had an Air Jurrah logo in his locker!

Edited July 16, 2014 by Clint Bizkit

[DemonOX 8,550]

Such a waste of talent.

My son still has his signed #24 jersey which he still wears.

[bing181 8,208]

Such a waste of talent.

My son still has his signed #24 jersey which he still wears.

My son still has his 48 jumper hanging on the back of his bedroom door.

Lots of broken dreams ... perhaps good that kids learn about that as well, but sad all the same. Hope Liam finds some peace.

[thaipantsman 180]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-16/supporters-not-giving-up-on-jurrah-whos-set-for-release/5602712

Melbourne desperately need another Jurrah type. He's a sensational footballer that went off the rails. Only 25 yo and could easily come back at least at a local level.

[P-man 13,276]

Disappointing doesn't quite cover it. But we move on.

[thaipantsman 180]

Such a waste of talent.

My son still has his signed #24 jersey which he still wears.

still my favourite Melbourne player. no ones gone near him talent wise since he left.

[beelzebub 22,282]

sorry...over it

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,636]

Any player who shows some talent while wearing the no.48 must never again be allowed to change numbers

[Pirlo 524]

Completely forgotten about him to be honest.

Hope he puts his past behind him now.

[gsmith12 491]

Thanks for the memories LJ.

[Jara 1,149]

My son still has his 48 jumper hanging on the back of his bedroom door.

Lots of broken dreams ... perhaps good that kids learn about that as well, but sad all the same. Hope Liam finds some peace.

Very sad. disappointing end to a football career, but maybe not the end of his contributions to his community. I spent many years working out on those communities, including Yuendumu. A lot of the people who ended up in leadership roles had had wild younger days. I suspect he must have had some pretty special qualities to achieve what he did. Maybe they'll reappear in some other guise. Here's hoping.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

most naturally gifted player I've ever seen... maybe Franklin is his equal

a tragic, tragic waste

[RalphiusMaximus 5,993]

So does anyone want to know about Waylon Manson's latest article then?

[camillo 106]

most naturally gifted player I've ever seen... maybe Franklin is his equal

a tragic, tragic waste

I remember an email Bruce Hearn Mackinnon wrote to me just after we'd signed Liam. He was saying Liam was going to be better than Lance Franklin.

[KingDingAling 3,614]

Cyril is probably the most polished talent I've seen, it is a shame his body cannot hold up.

Franklin probably has the most raw talent, but doesn't always put it together.

Jurrah is probably a mixture of both natural talent and polished talent, but didn't quite work as hard as the other two.

[robbiefrom13 877]

Jurrah played like he was from a different planet.

[dazzledavey36 49,207]

Jurrah was just as talented as Franklin. Anyone that can kick a goal over his head 30 meters out have genuine talent.

[pineapple dee 2,892]

All I wanted at the time was for Jurrah to be the next Buddy Franklin. And I thought it could happen. I loved being there watching him turn it on. Ahhhhhhhhhhh The memories !!!!!!!!!!

[jumbo returns 6,538]

LJ was my Maradonna......he made other players look like they had two left feet.

I'll never forget the day when he was ready to rip St Kilda a new one - he was 'on'.......

Bails took him off......our curse started on that fateful day.

Freak.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

This was the game that really stands out for me.

Even though Melbourne lost, he just seemed to have the ball on a string that day.

[praha 10,329]

This was the game that really stands out for me.

Even though Melbourne lost, he just seemed to have the ball on a string that day.

It was a great game, also. One of the best of the year across the whole AFL (I remember the AFL site listing it as one of the top 10 games).