It'd be fair to say a lot has changed since then.

Since lifting the cup in 2014, Murray was catapulted onto the AFL radar.

He starred for the Wodonga Raiders under Daryn Cresswell and earned a spot on Sydney's rookie list at the end of last season.

Now Macreadie is following in his former teammate's footsteps.

The young defender has moved to Sydney to complete his schooling and continue training with the Giants Academy.

The pair played on the same ground for the first time in over 18 months last weekend, albeit this time as opponents.

The Giants came up against Murray's Swans in a thriller at Spotless Stadium.

In a great weekend for the AFL's newest franchise, the Giants came away winners by a solitary point, joining the senior side in defeating the Swans.

“It was a good win with the fellas, a great game to be a part of on a good day for the club,” Macreadie said.

It was the first time Macreadie and Murray had played on the same field since the 2014 premiership with the Swampies.

While he was pleased to see his cousin in the red and white, Macreadie said he had to focus on the task at hand.

“It was actually a bit weird seeing him out there, I had to try not to concentrate on it too much,” he said. 

“You have to focus on the game, I didn't want him to show me up.”

Macreadie said seeing Murray's rise to the AFL ranks had buoyed him as he made his own way in the football world.

“I haven't had too many chances to speak to Sam,” he said.

“I've seen him a couple of times since I moved up to Sydney at the start of the year.

“But knowing what he's doing and how he got there has made my dream of playing at AFL level seem a bit more realistic.

“It feels a bit more achievable.

“In saying that, it's still going to be a very difficult journey, but it's encouraging all the same.”

The 18-year-old has been a member of the Giants academy since playing the under-15s, and has been playing in the half-back line.

Playing alongside a host of high draft picks with Greater Western Sydney, Macreadie said he was quickly learning what it would take to perform at the top level.

“It's been good playing at the Giants this season, it's been great taking the field with players that have been drafted and seeing the way they go about things,” he said.

“It's making the transition a little bit easier.”

Murray has been seizing his opportunity with the Swans with both hands after putting a pre-season injury behind him.

His first game came against the Giants back in April, booting a goal on debut.

He has kicked six goals this season.