RudeBoy

I am a Dees member, and would be honored to be involved in some way, but I honestly think one of the long serving Demonland members are more deserving. I'd be happy to just be there and take a photo of the presentation.

This has been a wonderful gesture by all concerned and one which will be much appreciated by the Yuendumu community. Last time I was in Yuendumu, back in 2006, the footy club did not even have a change room, let alone a club house. However, I believe some proper facilities are being built, so Liam's jumper will by displayed proudly for all the young Warlpiri boys and men to realise that there is a pathway for them to AFL footy. Well done to everyone on Demonland.

Thanks heaps. Failing that I was considering robbing a bank and flying up.

I am desperate to watch Liam Jurrah's game this weekend but I can't afford the trip up to Brisbane. I was hoping the game would be covered by Foxtel, but I can't see it listed anywhere. Any suggestions guys?

And vote now for his mark of the week coming up against the lions.

Only 4? Seriously, I was so proud of him last night. Regardless of how good his game was, just to be out there was a monumental achievement. It's interesting that a comparison with Goodes was made, as I believe that once Liam's fitness improves - after he has completed a couple of pre-seasons - he could end up as a ruckrover/midfielder. Back in Yuendumu he often played spells in the ruck due to his terrific leap. Early days yet, and like Watts, he'll have ups and downs along the way, but his potential is phenomenal. The one great asset he's got is also his inner strength and self belief. He might appear shy off the field, but when he's on the ground he's like the king of the jungle - the ground is his domain and he won't be intimidated by anyone. I had a dream last night that he played his first game, flew for a speccy and miraculously swung his boot on to the ball for a goal as he hit the ground. I was dreaming wasn't I?

Jack Watts will deliver in spades. Patience please.

I should say something sensible but I'm too [censored]. Yeeeehhhhaaaaa!

No worries HT. I've got to get get back to the kitchen as i've got Liam and the Warlpiri mob arriving shortly for lunch! I just wish it was a day game and not night, as the suspense is killing me. Six and a half hours to go.

I don't know yet, but I'll be there in the rooms before the game where Aaron Davey will present it to him. I'm a physical wreck atm, as I've hardly slept for the past 3 nights since finding out of his selection.

Enough has been said already about Liam and his journey, but I just wanted to thank all the Dees supporters on Demonland for their encouragement and support for Liam. I'm obviously too close to him to have any objectivity, but I honestly reckon tonight will be one of the most momentous historical events in the entire history of VFL/AFL footy. My understanding is that Liam Jungarrayi Jurrah is the first ever, fully initiated aboriginal ever to play at this level. To date, all the indigenous players in the AFL have basically been recruited from urban communities, Darwin, Perth, even Alice Springs. To think that some clubs spend tens, possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars searching for young athletes in Ireland, in order to turn them into AFL players, when in our own backyard, in Central Australia, there are many remote communities where football is part of the very lifeblood of their culture, yet AFL clubs have up until now totally ignored them. The Melbourne Football Club should be congratulated for having the courage and insight to break totally new ground. If, as I expect, Liam goes on to become a legend of the game, we can all look back on this day and say we were there when Liam Jurrah, the first of his kind, played his first game. Make no mistake, tonight will be history in the making.

Martin Flanagan's article is even better. http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/warlp...4918083472.html

Stop it, you're getting me excited!!

I might just give you a big tonguey myself Japaljarri...you deserve it! It's been a roller coaster ride for several years now mate, and now that the big day has almost arrived I think I'm more nervous than Liam. I spoke to him last night and told him not to be burdened by everyone's expectations. Everyone wants him to have an immediate impact, but the reality is he has not even had a single pre-season yet, and he will be a much better player next year and the year after that. I suggested that he should just aim to enjoy himself, soak up the atmosphere, try to get through the game, get a few touches....and kick 5 goals.

I want a photo and medical report before I let anyone kiss me!

As an aside, it's rather ironic that Eddie McGuire will be doing the radio broadcast of Liam's debut game on SEN, given that Collingwood stuffed up big time in missing out on LJ.

Good question. To be honest, Liam Jungarrayi Jurrah is a very laid back young man who is very relaxed about such things. Amongst his own mob he is referred to as both Liam and Jookaday (the slang version of Jungarrayi), and now at Melbourne most seem to call him LJ. So he's happy with either name. I believe the Age and possibly the Herald Sun will have articles about Melbourne's Warlpiri Warrior.

I'm taking the week off to recover from the celebrations after his game!

I'm a paid up member mate! Yeehaaa!

The Warlpiri Warrior will be unleashed on friday night. Believe me, the Bumbers won't know what's hit them.

Aaron Davey?

Looking good for a friday night debut. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...5012432,00.html

Liam kicked a 60 metre goal yesterday.

I actually think he'll play better at AFL level where the quality of disposals are much better than at VFL level.

I've got no idea of the club's plans. All I know is that he's kicked 11 goals in 3 weeks, and the senior team needs a goal kicker. I'm sure the club wants him to play a few senior games this year, but whether it's this week or in 3 or 4 weeks time I wouldn't know. Naturally his engine will improve over time, but that can probably be said for most new recruits. He's got a hell of a lot of improvement in him, both physically and in game sense, but I actually think he'll play better in the seniors where the delivery from players like Flash will make his job easier. Nevertheless, we won't really see him shine until he's had one or two pre-seasons under his belt, so I really hope that Dees fans don't expect too much from him too soon. Fwiw, I'd love him to get a senior game this week. I reckon he'll learn more playing in the seniors than in the VFL.