Melbourne have backed Liam Jurrah to put his serious off-field problems aside and make a successful AFL return this weekend.
The Demons named Jurrah for his first AFL game this season against Sydney on Saturday at the SCG, only hours after the forward learnt he faces four extra charges from an alleged Alice Springs assault earlier this year.
But there was some good news from Thursday’s court hearing, which Jurrah attended via a video link from Melbourne.
His bail conditions were altered so he can play in the July 21 Darwin game against Port Adelaide.
Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said there were no concerns about Jurrah being ready for an AFL comeback, despite the ongoing stresses in his personal life.
“Liam is a very resilient person. He’s had to deal with a lot issues over his entire (AFL career),” Mahoney said.
“We’re confident he’s able to deal with those issues and play really good footy for us on the weekend.”
A pre-season wrist injury sidelined Jurrah until a fortnight ago, when he returned through the VFL with the Casey Scorpions.
He impressed last Saturday for the Demons’ VFL affiliate with 13 disposals, a goal and involvement in several other scores.
“We set some benchmarks that Liam had to hit with his training before he was available to play,” Mahoney said.
“He hit those, he’s now played two VFL games and we’ve been happy with his form and the fitness he’s been able to build up.
“He’s showed that he’s ready to be available for AFL.”
His return was one of three big inclusions for the winless Demons, who also recalled former captain Brad Green and tall utility Jack Watts.
Sam Blease will play his first senior game since round one, with Melbourne axing Rohan Bail, Ricky Petterd, Matthew Bate and Jack Fitzpatrick.
As part of his original bail conditions, Jurrah had to stay out of the Northern Territory except for court appearances until his case was decided.
Jurrah can fly to Darwin for the match, provided he is accompanied by Mahoney.
He is scheduled to appear in an Alice Springs court on July 23 for another hearing and Mahoney must also travel with him for that appearance.
Jurrah is one of the league’s most naturally-talented young players and, last season, while there were queries on his defensive work, he kicked 40 goals in 18 games.
The Demons requested the video appearance for the Thursday court appearance to help with Jurrah’s preparations for the Sydney match.
In addition to his existing charges of causing serious harm and using an offensive weapon at night, Jurrah faces four charges of aggravated assault.
Jurrah could face jail if he is found guilty.
He is an elder of the Warlpiri people who live at Yuendumu, about 300km northwest of Alice Springs.
