Shem Tatupu, a former professional athlete who played for Hawthorn in the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL). Now, he’s in jail on attempted murder charges with the bottom falling out. The 29-year-old now must face the very legal troubles that will bring them before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Their next appearance, a committal mention hearing, is set for late August.
Tatupu kicked off his professional athletic career in 2014. He was then signed by Hawthorn as a Category B rookie. Known for his “big body,” speed, and agility, Tatupu expressed excitement about joining the team, stating that he liked “to get amongst everything.” He played 22 matches between the VFL and VFL Development League. Ultimately, in 2016 he made the decision to leave football, as he no longer found joy in the game.
After departing Hawthorn, Tatupu made a hasty transition to rugby league. He moved to the Melbourne Storm, where he had been considered a “potentially exciting prospect” due to his remarkable athletic talents. The club set him up to work extensively with their development coaches to familiarize himself with the club’s system. He was further scheduled to play alongside Melbourne Storm’s second-tier affiliate club—assisting his transition back into the NRL with each passing game.
In 2019, Tatupu played with the Frankston Dolphins in the Victorian Football League (VFL). As controversial as it was, this decision represented a brave effort to resuscitate his professional career. Though he was once seen as a rising star, his life was irrevocably changed for the worse with the release of these shocking charges against him.
Only time will tell how those legal proceedings will affect Tatupu’s future. He is accused of serious allegations that could potentially change the course of his life and political career.
