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What can't go on? Liam has never asked for time off before during the season, he has never given us any reason or any indication to believe that he wasn't dedicated to his career, and he has certainly never done anything unlawful or not within the rightful conduct for a Melbourne player. It's very very sad, but it seems that some posters here are jumping to conclusions, and making ill informed comments because of Liam's heritage and cultural background. We've had a string of some serious headcases at Melbourne, and many other players who have gone out and done the wrong thing (Sylvia, Moloney etc), and all have been afforded multiple chances. Liam has never done a thing wrong by our club, and yet some people are happy to get on their high horse and pass judgement and punishment without knowing even half the story. What a wonderful supporting community we all are.

I have no idea what has happened and will not embrace the conjecture. Let's just calm down and stay by the wireless. I will stand by Liam until the facts tell me not to.

I'm confused. Surely it is in our best interest as well as Liam's, that this works out for the best. Why then are you so determined to convict him and banish him? I highly doubt that the police would let a man convicted of violent assault with a dangerous weapon, to leave the state. There was more support and belief in that scumbag Tom Scully than some people are showing towards Jurrah right now. Mind boggling.

I wish there was a 'dislike' button.

There's a couple of important things to remember here... NT Police quite often hold Aboriginals for a time while they sort out the intricacies of the situation. Dealings involving tribal disputes and law are massively complicated which is generally not helped by the lack of trust between tribes and police. Liam, being a fully initiated warrior and elder is bound by tribal law to get involved or at least try and resolve any family disputes so while instinct says he was not an instigator, he may be classed as an offender by involvement. It will be interesting to see how the NT court system deals with this as it will give us an insight into how they deal with Australian Law v Tribal Law.

Not that we know the whole situation, but as a community leader and elder, he probably felt compelled to step in. If your family or friends were fighting and you were scared for their life, you wouldn't step in and intervene? I doubt if you were in the same situation you'd give a crap about your job!

Can't believe some of the tripe I'm reading on here. Maybe we just chill until Rudeboy gets on with some facts. Given the vigour with which some of you jump to conclusions I'd be amazed if your hamstrings weren't ripped off the bone. FMD.

Everyone's had their say, I'm locking this thread and will reopen it when the situation is clearer. Let's hope for the best possible outcome.

Ridiculous. So every time one of our footballers goes home, or goes away we need to send minders on the off chance they'll get into trouble? I would not have guessed in a million years that Liam Jurrah would be involved in a violent incident. He has no history to cause suspicion. Besides, he was given time off to deal with personal matters, club officials had no right being there with him. Can we just calm down and wait for more reliable information?

I think everyone should watch Jack's highlight video from Round 13 vs. Freo (in my opinion his best game for the club - or at least very close to) (sorry don't know how to embed youtube) The reality is, we see Jack's strengths on display - he's a play maker, he's evasive, he's great at ground level and in traffic, and exceptionally agile for a guy his size His attack on the footy is good and will improve - but to expect Watts to hit packs like Jon Brown is fanciful, particularly at this stage in his career (given his frame)

To be honest, I thought it was interesting listening to Malthouse. I think he's right, his comments could benefit JW. And I agree, he needs to attack it WAY harder. He's played some nice games, but the potential is huge. I think he should listen and make it benefit him.

Yup - all our players want at the end of their careers to be "one club players" and we envisage that this will be the case.

Just a reminder that when Liam is up there, he is at home.

There's a statement on the club site re why he was given leave. Don't know what's worse, what Liam's going through, or some of the posts here.

Irrelevant as to guilty or not here is my say on the incident. Jurrah is guilty of putting himself in that position and it is here where my sympathy for footballers ends. I often feel they get the rough end off the stick in how much scrutiny they recieve however, Jurrah and Sylvia must be made accountable for their actions because they themselves made the choices to hang around the people(s) who are committing these mental lapses. The club itself has done a fantastic deed in allowing Liam to his time and space as requested; they were well within their rights to deny that action and all this says to me is a lack of respect by Liam to the MFC. I know he probably bleeds Red and Blue but a sane man cannot tell me you don't walk away when your mate pulls out a machete. The thought of him having one in his hand and potentially committing a crime is even more f***** and christ almighty I cross every muscle on my body its not the case.

Time for a new t-shirt: Free Jurrah

I don't think they have demonland in jail...

And I am sure Neeld and the Club wont be jumping to conclusions ahead of the facts like some are doing here.

Apparently there's nothing about machetes in the players charter so he's probably ok

He did this, though, last year - he showed everyone he could take a contested grab, and have an effect on contests (and apply pressure in the forward line - a la his goal against Richmond where he made Houli crap his dacks) He was poor round 1 NAB cup in torrential rain that didn't suit tall forwards and yes, he had little impact vs, collingwood and looked as though he couldn't work his way into the game My issue with the media, commentators, supporters (Melbourne and opposition alike), is that it's like we go on rewind with Watts after a poor or quiet game Everyone shut up during his purple patch, where he was showing hunger and desire, where he was one of our shining lights in an otherwise dimsal period. 2 rounds in to the mickey mouse stuff and all of a sudden were back to 2009 vs, Collingwood levels of criticism

The irony is that if Jack hits form when the real season gets underway some will claim that the comments have had the desired effect.

I have a spelling checker, It came with my pea sea. It plane lee marks four my revue Miss steaks aye can knot sea. Eye ran this poem threw it, Your sure reel glad two no. Its vary polished in it's weigh. My checker tolled me sew. - Sauce unknown, Submitted for the Pull it Surprise (Pulitzer Prize) Check out the full version of this poem at http://www.jokes2go....poems/9892.html

My Grandad has got a fluid retention policy. Will that do?

I was only having a bit of fun

I have a mate who is reasonably high up in the Alice Springs police. I only read about this around 9:45pm tonight and he isn't able to answer his phone at the moment. I'll see what info I can muster (if any) and I'll pass on what I can (if anything).

Do you people know anything at all about the indigenous problems in the centre and the tribal law that exists ? Get hold of a book called 'Dog Ear Cafe', read it and you then may have a clue.

This thread needs more rudeboy...

Please don't use common sense before posting chook it seems it is not required on this thread.

I think any attempt at joking on this thread is totally inappropriate . Liam is an honourable and dignified man , and we need to respect his presumed innocence until further is known . I don't think any of us can truly appreciate his cultural and tribal and family responsibilities .

Have been with the chunk all the way as well. Was taking too much upon himself when he thought he had to. Not only is he hard but he is durable and gives a solid even effort. I predict that this guy will retire as one of the most loved players of this dees era.

On the subject of Jurrah, Rudeboy or the club's are the only words I'll take as gospel. You can suit yourself. But if you read over this thread & consider the reactions fair and reasonable, have fun doing it. To me, it looks like Bigfooty has invaded. Edit : sorry, replying to BB59, post 104

I don't think anyone is making light of the situation at all. You choose to believe the sky is falling in - I'd rather wait for the facts

He went home under the proviso he was dealing with personal and tribal issues. How is it his fault at this stage that he is arrested? as reported he may just be aiding police. give me a break mate, and get a life

quoted for being the most sane poster so far......here here

Dan, nobody would ever accuse you of being a pollyanna would they?

Liam has been seen by many, myself included, as a shining example of what an indigenous boy from the back of beyond can achieve by application, and opportunity. It would be a huge set back not only for Liam, but for his community and for indigenous progress generally were this to turn out as it may appear from first impressions. Let's just all cool it and wait for some FACTS.

I was waiting for liam to carve up the opposition this year. If got over his injury he could have given the coleman a real stab.

Please refrain from these kinds of jokes, there is already to much hysteria arround this without you adding to it!

whats liam doing in alice springs?

HEy RC, i will back you on both o'Brien and Baker. i think he about number one for marks in the league around this time. unf. the team wasn't good enough for crosswell he kept arguing all the time. i think he had some kind of learning disability, called team-mates 'tiger' because he couldn't remember their names at training.

He was intervening in a fight between 2 others, my unnamed sources tell me.

9 "reported" altercation with up to 50 people, 2 injured with weapons and two 23yr olds in custody. No charges laid at this point.

Ridiculous thing to say. Sure if he's guilty of doing something unacceptable, but as yet he has not even been charged. Stupid comment mate.

Won't accept what? We no next to nothing about the incident.

Is Cook good?

Anyone stop and think that it may be from Neeld where these Malthouse comments are coming from? As much as I love Jacky boy, they are bloody spot on. Just look at the way Hurley imposes himself in a game. But could you imagine the backlash through media outlets if Neeld said the truth about where Jack is at? He said one line about him early in the preseason and tha tline keeps getting dragged up. Malthouse has ensured the football world will focus on how Jack reacts out on the field. This could be an absolute masterstroke from Neeld.

Bump ! I'll remember you Chook and I'll support you. He has that determination to will himself and better himself. His reflexes and skills are improving. Not to mention his "leadership" I guess that surfing and Facebook really has had an influence ... Hope that he keeps moving up in gears, because he looks more and more like an integral part of Melbournes future mids. His endurance and second efforts are up there I believe. And the contested stakes are his calling. Which 24 months ago I admittedly doubted. Good for you Nathan Jones as I finish off my humble pie.

I haven't really the faintest knowledge of the sponsor. Reading JCB's and your posts it could be anytime in the next two weeks. If its a done deal I can understand the wait on the announcement given Schwab has stated and hinted to all in sundry that this is a strategic relationship. So the planets must align (ie everything needs to be in place) before the announcement. If its as important as I'm making it out to be...it's worth the wait.

Nice quote but not if you happen to be a Fitzroy Supporter. Doubt if many will read your quote though. Love your post!

Well done, Robbo. Although as coaches, we cannot bet on the footy...