WODONGA Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell has backed Sam Murray to salvage his AFL career despite the prospect of an anti-doping investigation and lengthy suspension.
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Collingwood has confirmed that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority is investigating Murray, who is in his debut AFL season after starring as a youngster with Henty and the Raiders.
Murray, 20, allegedly tested positive on match-day, after the round 19 blockbuster against Richmond, for a banned illicit substance, believed to be cocaine.
As illicit substances are considered performance-enhancing in match-day tests, Murray faces a ban of up to four years.
Had he recorded a positive test during the week, he would merely have a strike recorded against him under the AFL's illicit drugs code.
Cresswell, who was instrumental in helping Murray onto the Sydney Swans’ rookie list after setting the Ovens and Murray alight in 2015, has reached out to his former charge.
“I’ve spoken with Sam and it’s important for him to know that there are a lot of people out there concerned about his welfare,” Cresswell said.
“Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how you deal with them. It’s important for everyone out there to know that Sam is a really quality young man.
Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how you deal with them
- Wodonga Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell
“It’s also important that everyone understands he’s only under investigation and has not been found guilty of any indiscretions. It’s easy to jump to conclusions but it’s important to let this run its course and wait until the investigation is completed.
“He’s shown that he’s resilient to get where he has after being knocked back by the Murray Bushrangers all those years ago,” Cresswell said.
“I’m confident he will bounce back from this.”
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Murray was a late withdrawal from last Saturday's win over Port Adelaide, with Collingwood citing personal reasons.
He remains out of the side for Saturday’s game in Perth against Fremantle.
Murray has played 11 games for the Magpies this season after being traded from the Swans, where he spent two years on their rookie list without playing a senior match.
He was having a strong debut season before his positive test, earning a rising star nomination following the Magpies’ round three win over Carlton.
Three years ago, Collingwood players Josh Thomas and Lachie Keeffe were banned for two years after testing positive to the banned substance Clenbuterol.
Thomas is still on Collingwood's list and is enjoying a fine 2018 campaign.
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Xavier Mardling
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
