3 hours ago, Ricky P said:

I'm surprised I'm the only one to have this view, but I'm very disappointed the MFC has welcomed Jurrah back to the club with open arms. I know he was a sublime player and a nice story, but he's been jailed for assaulting two women. I don't think anyone who behaves like that should be welcome in our club.    

You have a very valid point, but perhaps it's in keeping with the ideals of reconciliation - that is reconciliation for Jurrah personally.

He's served his time and now, hopefully he's genuinely getting his life back together.  Having him back at the club doesn't excuse the things he's done, but hopefully it's a sign that he's in a better place and ultimately, a better man.

While we can look back at his onfield feats with amazement, he's no hero and that's why his career ended the way he did.  Hopefully by having him back at the club there's something that everyone can learn.

8 hours ago, Ricky P said:

I'm surprised I'm the only one to have this view, but I'm very disappointed the MFC has welcomed Jurrah back to the club with open arms. I know he was a sublime player and a nice story, but he's been jailed for assaulting two women. I don't think anyone who behaves like that should be welcome in our club.    

I feel exactly the same. Jurrah has demonstrated that he is a very violent individual. You don't just attack someone with machete, or drink and then bash someone. That's a screw loose and it takes a lot to change someone like that. I am very uneasy about him being part of this.

1 hour ago, praha said:

I feel exactly the same. Jurrah has demonstrated that he is a very violent individual. You don't just attack someone with machete, or drink and then bash someone. That's a screw loose and it takes a lot to change someone like that. I am very uneasy about him being part of this.

Wayne Carey was charged in the USA for violence against his wife.  He has been forgiven and embraced by the AFL who has even nominated him for Legend status of the HOF. 

Other AFL footballers have had charges laid for similar offences and they are not shunned by their old clubs or the AFL.

For mine, including Jarrah in a community program is a reconciling gesture in itself and seems consistent with the plan.

6 hours ago, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

You have a very valid point, but perhaps it's in keeping with the ideals of reconciliation - that is reconciliation for Jurrah personally.

He's served his time and now, hopefully he's genuinely getting his life back together.  Having him back at the club doesn't excuse the things he's done, but hopefully it's a sign that he's in a better place and ultimately, a better man.

While we can look back at his onfield feats with amazement, he's no hero and that's why his career ended the way he did.  Hopefully by having him back at the club there's something that everyone can learn.

This eloquent and reasoned understanding sits about right from my view.

Also that some can't see a divide is not proof there isn't one.

Its a positive step by the club. I do however hope its for substantive motives and not some rubbishy plastic indulgence to outside pressures.

Obviously many indigenous in the game ( as elsewhere ) see their lot as different even if many consider it a self determining situation.

Irrespective of how/why the club feels a purpose to having this plan. 

I'm a little surprised, but to be honest it doesn't affect me so i can only spectate upon its value.

Hopefully such initiatives add to the fabric and don't distract.

9 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Wayne Carey was charged in the USA for violence against his wife.  He has been forgiven and embraced by the AFL who has even nominated him for Legend status of the HOF. 

Other AFL footballers have had charges laid for similar offences and they are not shunned by their old clubs or the AFL.

For mine, including Jarrah in a community program is a reconciling gesture in itself and seems consistent with the plan.

I don't disagree mate. And Jurrah was acquitted of using the machete so that's something I should have mentioned. I understand the situation is "culturally sensitive" as they say and it might be a matter of wrong place wrong time, maybe there is truth to the argument that people in his family tried to bring him down. Jurrah stood as an important figure in his culture and community and effectively took 1 step forward with his career and being a role model but then took 4 steps back. I am not one to say he shouldn't be given another chance but I'd have thought that for the fear and pain he put those women through, regardless of his rehabilitation, that using him in this capacity is not right. Carey has been heavily scrutinised, and his actions heavily publicised and recorded. We still hold it against him and yeah, his on field performance should be held separate from his private life, but it's still held against him. Jurrah is recognised as a "freak" of the game and there's no question how talented he was. He's respected in that capacity. But I still feel this is a strange oversight that clouds the cause. He stands out among a group of Davey and Jetta and even Wonna. It just makes me feel uneasy. I'm not against him working his way back in and he has paid the price for his actions, but considering his place and apparent standing in his community, I feel there should be greater scrutiny in place here for something that happened so recently. Perhaps subconsciously people are more forgiving considering his culture and background. I don't mean that with malice but it's weird that the club keeps going back to him, almost celebrating him. It's happened a few times in the past few years. I think it's great he's working to help his community but you could argue that his actions are part and parcel of the problem.  I haven't seen him come out against domestic violence or anything like that. Just because he's open and part of a reconciliation program doesn't mean all should be forgiven.

How bloody impressive is Neville Jetta.

What a great human he is.

14 minutes ago, praha said:

I don't disagree mate. And Jurrah was acquitted of using the machete so that's something I should have mentioned. I understand the situation is "culturally sensitive" as they say and it might be a matter of wrong place wrong time, maybe there is truth to the argument that people in his family tried to bring him down. Jurrah stood as an important figure in his culture and community and effectively took 1 step forward with his career and being a role model but then took 4 steps back. I am not one to say he shouldn't be given another chance but I'd have thought that for the fear and pain he put those women through, regardless of his rehabilitation, that using him in this capacity is not right. Carey has been heavily scrutinised, and his actions heavily publicised and recorded. We still hold it against him and yeah, his on field performance should be held separate from his private life, but it's still held against him. Jurrah is recognised as a "freak" of the game and there's no question how talented he was. He's respected in that capacity. But I still feel this is a strange oversight that clouds the cause. He stands out among a group of Davey and Jetta and even Wonna. It just makes me feel uneasy. I'm not against him working his way back in and he has paid the price for his actions, but considering his place and apparent standing in his community, I feel there should be greater scrutiny in place here for something that happened so recently. Perhaps subconsciously people are more forgiving considering his culture and background. I don't mean that with malice but it's weird that the club keeps going back to him, almost celebrating him. It's happened a few times in the past few years. I think it's great he's working to help his community but you could argue that his actions are part and parcel of the problem.  I haven't seen him come out against domestic violence or anything like that. Just because he's open and part of a reconciliation program doesn't mean all should be forgiven.

Very fair and insightful comments. 

20 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

How bloody impressive is Neville Jetta.

What a great human he is.

A terrific interview with him and a great credit to him.

Congratulations to the club on the RPA. Proud of the club and Neville. 

13 hours ago, willmoy said:

"the stories of Austin and Liam are our stories", gives me goosebumps and a tear at the same time........

Not just mfc stories Australian stories

A question for this learned group. For indiginous round Dion Johnstone was quoted as saying his grand dad play VFL but I can find no reference to who, but Dion said he was a champion of the game. Does anybody know who he was referring to?

This article from 2016 refers to his path to the draft and followed Rioli to Scotch on an indigenous scholarship.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/dion-johnstone-travels-long-road-from-warrnambool-to-tac-cup-team-oakleigh-chargers/news-story/992029756feee11bac636d3d33f073a1

 

1 hour ago, Clint Bizkit said:

How bloody impressive is Neville Jetta.

What a great human he is.

Yes you get the feeling that when Nev speaks others listen 

12 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Are you talking about the MFC in particular or Australia in general? Because if it's the former I agree but if it's the latter I don't know what planet you've been living on.

Let me elaborate.  

There is huge Aboriginal disadvantage, but 'reconciliation' hasn't had positive outcomes within Aboriginal communities.

Reconciliation week started in the 1990's yet today Aboriginal women are 31 times more likely to be hospitalised by their partner.  High jail rates continue, as does low life expectancy and school attendance.  

The sooner reconciliation is abandoned for more progressive measures and the sooner Aboriginal leaders start embracing the future and not the past then we might start seeing a difference to the quality of life in Aboriginal communities.

For me, there shouldn't be a divide between our indigenous communities and broader Australia and the "blame games" linked to 'reconciliation' don't enhance our Aboriginal communities.

1 hour ago, ProDee said:

Let me elaborate.  

There is huge Aboriginal disadvantage, but 'reconciliation' hasn't had positive outcomes within Aboriginal communities.

Reconciliation week started in the 1990's yet today Aboriginal women are 31 times more likely to be hospitalised by their partner.  High jail rates continue, as does low life expectancy and school attendance.  

The sooner reconciliation is abandoned for more progressive measures and the sooner Aboriginal leaders start embracing the future and not the past then we might start seeing a difference to the quality of life in Aboriginal communities.

For me, there shouldn't be a divide between our indigenous communities and broader Australia and the "blame games" linked to 'reconciliation' don't enhance our Aboriginal communities.

So Pro, as some random white dude, you think you know better than the entire indigenous crew who've recently played for our club and have spent months putting the RAP together...? 

Ok. 

 

Maybe we we could all "abandon reconciliation" and move to your as yet defined progressive fantasy land.

"Offering" a contrarian "progressive" view that allows you to denigrate the work done to progress the reconciliation agenda at the club and broader community says more about your need for attention than it does about the flaws in reconciliation. 

It's not about you. 

Try this... http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/reconciliation

16 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

His defensive pressure was better than anything Hogan provides.

Still have my Air Jurrah T-Shirt CB. Oh what could have been....Great to hear is doing OK.

9 minutes ago, Tricky said:

Still have my Air Jurrah T-Shirt CB.

Don't ever let that one go, will be worth a fortune one day.

14 hours ago, faultydet said:

Hi Tilly, long time no see.

Rocky was a classic case of could've, should've Every club makes mistakes.

Jurrah was almost an inspired choice. So near, but so far.

Our list now has the ability to bring us a flag. Lets see if they have the commitment.

Hi Faulty,

Hope you've been good

Travel around with work a lot so don't have a lot of time to post. Do read a lot.

Its a lot better going to the games these days.

Rocky wanted the spot at Melbourne but not to be.

He may be on the move at the end of the year.

Hope Ding is good.

17 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Don't ever let that one go, will be worth a fortune one day.

My son wore his Air Jurrah shirt for 3 days in Disneyland California Christmas time in 2011.

Created some discussion with fellow Aussies while I was having a beer at EPSN downtown Disney.

6 minutes ago, tilly18 said:

My son wore his Air Jurrah shirt for 3 days in Disneyland California Christmas time in 2011.

Created some discussion with fellow Aussies while I was having a beer at EPSN downtown Disney.

This is a photo of Brent Moloney's locker (not taken by me) from around that time.

Who are we to tell another forty thousand to sixty thousand year old culture to do absolutely anything!!!.

We, who originated from the biggest bunch of "history rewriting", murdering scum bags, and who are only telling the truth now on "thrones" There is a much bigger picture, folks

1 hour ago, PaulRB said:

So Pro, as some random white dude, you think you know better than the entire indigenous crew who've recently played for our club and have spent months putting the RAP together...? 

Ok. 

 

Maybe we we could all "abandon reconciliation" and move to your as yet defined progressive fantasy land.

"Offering" a contrarian "progressive" view that allows you to denigrate the work done to progress the reconciliation agenda at the club and broader community says more about your need for attention than it does about the flaws in reconciliation. 

It's not about you. 

Try this... http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/reconciliation

The first call of the Left is to bring race into everything, as is your first inclination.

And it's clear, despite your protestations, that reconciliation hasn't advanced our disadvantaged Aboriginal communities.  This should concern you, but seemingly your more interested in defending a side than being concerned about policy failure.

Low rates of children attending schools, high rates of incarceration, high rates of mortality, high unemployment, poverty, and Aboriginal women being 31 times more likely to be hospitalised by their men.

Yet all you can do is link a government page that highlights a few watershed moments over the last 50 years.  

Perhaps go to an indigenous forum and link the same page.  While you're at it tell them how wonderfully things are progressing and what a success 'Reconciliation' has been.  They'd love to hear from you.

 

8 minutes ago, willmoy said:

Who are we to tell another forty thousand to sixty thousand year old culture to do absolutely anything!!!.

 

In today's paper:

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/19/dig-finds-evidence-of-aboriginal-habitation-up-to-80000-years-ago

I am leading a RAP process for the organisation i work for. Fascinating and powerful process that cannot be undertaken in a tokenistic way and involves a great deal of organisational commitment, both in terms of time and preparedness to be challenged on a range of levels. Reconciliation Australia, who have to approve a RAP is very supportive.

A terrific thing for the club to undertake. And necessary. In Feb 2015 i went to the AGM and there was a real oversight in so far as neither Glen Bartlett or Peter Jackson acknowledged the traditional owners of the land or paid respect to elders past and present. In fact no one did. 
 
It was disappointing on a number of levels. Firstly it should happen at any formal event such as an AGM (and some would argue at things such as board meetings etc). Secondly as I understand it the land on which the MCG sits has special significance to the Wurundjeri people (tribes of the Kulin nation used the area as a meeting place). Finally – and perhaps of most significance – Flash was given life membership, which, for me at least, really highlighted this oversight.

I emailed the club with my concerns and very much to their credit they acknowledged the oversight and since then have the acknowledgement and when appropriate at key events also a formal a welcome to country from an Aboriginal elder.  

The fact it was not standard practice to acknowledge the traditional owners and pay respects to elders past and present gives a little context i reckon to Liam Jurrah's comment in this article that if the dees had introduced a Reconciliation Action Plan during his time at the club, he believes he would have been better prepared to make the transition from a remote indigenous community.

32 minutes ago, ProDee said:

The first call of the Left is to bring race into everything, as is your first inclination.

And it's clear, despite your protestations, that reconciliation hasn't advanced our disadvantaged Aboriginal communities.  This should concern you, but seemingly your more interested in defending a side than being concerned about policy failure.

Low rates of children attending schools, high rates of incarceration, high rates of mortality, high unemployment, poverty, and Aboriginal women being 31 times more likely to be hospitalised by their men.

Yet all you can do is link a government page that highlights a few watershed moments over the last 50 years.  

Perhaps go to an indigenous forum and link the same page.  While you're at it tell them how wonderfully things are progressing and what a success 'Reconciliation' has been.  They'd love to hear from you.

 

And there I was thinking that the junkies I see scurrying up and down Victoria St, the homeless scattered all over the city, the wanton vandalism perpetrated by unemployed and uneducated youth in the growth corridors were a figment of my imagination, all the programs to eradicate the issues above have been a resounding success as well ProDee dont you think

I might get Nev to have a chat, you will get his perspective on the Reconciliation Issue

 

1 minute ago, Satyriconhome said:

And there I was thinking that the junkies I see scurrying up and down Victoria St, the homeless scattered all over the city, the wanton vandalism perpetrated by unemployed and uneducated youth in the growth corridors were a figment of my imagination, all the programs to eradicate the issues above have been a resounding success as well ProDee dont you think

I might get Nev to have a chat, you will get his perspective on the Reconciliation Issue

 

What's your point, chap ?

1 hour ago, Satyriconhome said:

And there I was thinking that the junkies I see scurrying up and down Victoria St, the homeless scattered all over the city, the wanton vandalism perpetrated by unemployed and uneducated youth in the growth corridors were a figment of my imagination, all the programs to eradicate the issues above have been a resounding success as well ProDee dont you think

I might get Nev to have a chat, you will get his perspective on the Reconciliation Issue

 

Btw, I'm glad you raised this particular point.

I recently donated a "Backpack bed" for the homeless.  The first week of August is "homelessness week".

Here's the link, chap.  They could do with your and everyone else's support.

https://swags.org.au/shop/donation-homeless-backpack-bed/