HENTY’S Sam Murray has credited Sydney Swans reserve grade coach Rhyce Shaw for his trade to Collingwood.
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With Murray battling to make an impact in the opening rounds of this year’s NEAFL competition, Shaw sent the 20-year-old to defence to find some form.
He went from a battler to making the NEAFL Team of the Year to being snapped up by the Magpies for a second-round pick in the space of six months.
“I wasn’t playing great footy in the forward-line and he sent me back to learn how to defend,” Murray said.
“It all just gelled and I suppose it went from there.
“Collingwood came at me as a rebounding back or small defender who can take the game on.
“That’s where they want me to play.”
Murray, who was picked up from Wodonga Raiders in the 2015 rookie draft at No.66, is yet to play a senior game and desperately wants to break into Nathan Buckley’s side.
He will start pre-season training on November 6.
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the opportunity to go to Collingwood,” he said.
“They have been a powerhouse club, not so much on the field for the past couple of years, but always with its supporter base.”
Murray is the second footballer with Henty ties to land at Collingwood in the past 24 hours after Iilish Ross was snapped up in the AFLW draft with pick 13 on Wednesday.
Another Swampie, Harrison Macreadie, is on Carlton’s list.
“Iilish has done really well,” Murray said.
“Hopefully I’ll catch up with her soon.
“She’s tougher than most of the guys and has a fair crack at it.”
Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine said Murray’s ability to break the lines from defence would make him an asset.
“Sam is a product of a great football system at Sydney, and is a player we identified as filling a key need on our list as a skilful defender who takes the game on,” Hine said.
Murray averaged 22 possessions this season.