Liam Jurrah kicks 14 goals in first game since being released from prison

FORMER Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah marked his release from prison with 14 goals in a match he started at half-back.

Liam Jurrah warming up before his 14 goal game

FORMER Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah marked his release from prison with 14 goals in a match he started at half-back.

Jurrah lit up Alice Springs on Saturday and mentor Darren Talbot said he looked like he was back in the sublime shape he was in when he stormed onto the AFL scene.

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Jurrah, 25, is rated by talent experts as the most gifted player outside of an AFL list and Talbot said the indigenous star was finally in a strong headspace.

Liam Jurrah in action for NTFL club Souths. Pic: Charlie Lowson.

The Herald Sun yesterday revealed AFL clubs feared the increased demands, brutality and professionalism of modern football was drifting away from some indigenous players, making it harder to justify recruiting talents from remote areas.

“The whole 14.2 were good. There was one where he went the one-handed mark, turned around quickly and snapped to while still being held onto,” Talbot said.

“Another one he picked it up off the ground, broke through about four blokes and on a very tight angle snuck it through.”

Jurrah in action for the Demons in 2011. Pic. Michael Klein

Talbot also coaches Jurrah at Souths in the Central Australia Football League and said the ex-Demon would play out the season for the flag favourites.

Jurrah served a second stint in prison for assaulting his partner and finished at the Demons after the 2012 season with 84 goals from 36 games.

On whether Jurrah could ever return to elite football, Talbot said: “I think it’s the furthest thing from his mind at the moment. No doubt he’s still got the talent, but one step at a time”.

He will remain in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic until October.

Originally published as Liam Jurrah kicks 14 goals in first game since being released from prison