SYDNEY Swans veteran Michael O’Loughlin has hailed the impact of Melbourne’s exciting indigenous forward Liam Jurrah.

Speaking from the SCG on the eve of his 300th game, O’Loughlin said Jurrah’s journey from Central Australia to the Demons was an inspiration to indigenous kids in the communities who dream of AFL stardom.

Jurrah has added an exciting new dimension to the Demons’ forward structure this season and has shown he can mark spectacularly since making his debut in round 12 against Essendon.

 “I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times and he’s an outstanding prospect,” O’Loughlin said on Wednesday.

“To see him come in and play the game and have an impact in the forward line for Melbourne has been outstanding. What’s he’s done at Melbourne has been phenomenal.

“For a kid who’s come in and I think English is like his second or third language... it’s going to give his community and communities around him [a boost]."

Jurrah was born and bred 300km northwest of Alice Springs, he played with Collingwood’s affiliate in the VFL in 2008 before returning to the Northern Territory to play for Nightcliff. He was drafted in the 2009 NAB AFL pre-season draft as a first round selection (No. 1 overall). The 20-year-old has booted 11 goals including 4.2 against Port Adelaide in round 15.

O'Loughlin, who is retiring at the end of this season, hopes to pass on his experience and work with young indigenous footballers in his post-playing career. And if he spots a talented indigenous player, he has promised to ring Swans coach Paul Roos.

“I think there’s a lot more players out there who can come in and be nurtured a bit," O'Loughlin said. "Goodsey (Adam Goodes) and I have spoken about getting some more indigenous players into Sydney. We’ve put it to Roosy and he’s agreed, but unfortunately for us, we haven’t had the draft pick to get those guys.”

As for advice to Jurrah, O’Loughlin says the shy youngster should be sticking close to role models at the Demons.

“He should align himself with one of the hardest trainers at Melbourne," O'Loughlin said. "Aaron Davey is having an outstanding season and he should just stick in his hip pocket and see what’s required to play AFL and give it your best.”