Livewire Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah has returned to central Australia after his AFL club gave him time off for personal reasons.
The 23-year-old is expected to return to the Demons soon, but there is no timeframe on his leave.
Jurrah is an elder of the Warlpiri people, who are based about 300km north-west of Alice Springs in the small indigenous community of Yuendumu.
Nicknamed the Warlpiri Wizard, Jurrah is the first player from remote central Australia be drafted to the AFL.
"Jurrah has been granted personal leave to return home to support his family and community through a challenging period," the Demons said in a statement.
"The club is totally understanding and supportive of Liam and is in close communication with him.
"Liam has had an interrupted pre-season following wrist surgery.
"He will continue his rehabilitation and training program upon his return to Melbourne."
New Demons coach Mark Neeld said last week that Jurrah would probably be out of action until at least round one of the regular season as he recovers from the surgery.
It is so far unclear whether the return to central Australia will further delay his playing return.
"He's going to have to come back through the VFL so that is where he is at," Neeld said last week.
"We know he has had complications with his wrist.
"It lasted four weeks in a cast and didn't heal (so) he had to have an operation and he can't join in full training."
Neeld had also said there was no long-term concern about Jurrah.
"Unfortunately, we had to go back and have a second go at it," he said.
"It's not a concern, but no one wants their players to be injured."
Jurrah was Melbourne's leading goalkicker last season, with 40 from 18 games.
He has kicked 81 goals in 35 games since making his senior debut three years ago.
Jurrah is an exceptional mark and has great pace, but the defensive side of his game has come in for criticism at times.
AAP
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia First posted March 05, 2012 19:52:14