HAD MELBOURNE introduced a Reconciliation Action Plan during his time at the club, former Demon Liam Jurrah believes he would have been better prepared to make the transition from a remote indigenous community.
The Demons launched their RAP on Wednesday with the aim to create a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing environment that is socially, culturally and spiritually safe and accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, now and into the future.
Jurrah, now 28, booted 81 goals in 36 games for the Demons between 2009 and 2012. The spring-heeled forward was delisted at the end of 2012, a year in which he was charged with assaulting his cousin Basil during a brawl in an Alice Springs town camp.
He was unanimously acquitted of all charges by a jury in March 2013 after a two-week trial.
"When I first arrived it was very hard for myself," Jurrah said.
"If I had have had that (the RAP) it would have been more easier (sic) for myself."
Jurrah, who hails from Yuendumu, a remote indigenous community in the Northern Territory, joined former teammates Austin Wonaeamirri and Aaron Davey at the RAP launch, with current indigenous players Neville Jetta and Dion Johnstone also in attendance.
Jurrah spent six months in jail in 2013 after he was charged with four counts of aggravated assault and nine months in jail in 2015, suspended after four months, for punching his former wife and threatening another woman with a broken bottle.
The high-flying forward has had his legal troubles but continues to play football for South Alice Springs in the Central Australian Football League.
Jurrah has kicked 26 goals in six matches this season and says he misses playing footy for Melbourne.
Davey, AFL Victoria's indigenous pathways program manager, said the RAP was an important part of people understanding indigenous and Torres Strait islander culture.
"This is just the starting point," Davey said.
"As a country we've still got a long way to go and it's going to be one of those fights and battles. Hopefully I'm around to see the end result.
"We do understand the power and the impact footy does have within our communities and it's one of those powerful things that brings us together."
Wonaeamirri, who is back living in the Tiwi Islands, said it was great to be back in Melbourne catching up with his friends and former teammates.
The small forward kicked 37 goals in 31 matches for Melbourne between 2008 and 2011 and was renowned for his excitable goal celebrations.
"It's awesome to be back in 'cold' Melbourne with my brothers again," Wonaeamirri said.
"We'll spend the next couple of days with laughter and jokes and pranks as well so I look forward to this week."
