THE playing future of Sam Murray is expected to become clear in coming weeks after he appeared before the AFL's anti-doping tribunal on Thursday following a positive match-day test a year ago.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Collingwood player, who began his career at Henty and also played with Wodonga Raiders and Sydney, has effectively served a 12-month provisional sentence.
He faces a four-year ban, but is hoping the penalty will be significantly reduced.
IN OTHER NEWS
The AFL confirmed on Friday 21-year-old Murray had fronted the tribunal this week.
But AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan told 3AW he couldn't be certain when Murray would learn his fate.
"We have certainty that it has been heard or in the process of being heard," McLachlan said.
"I don't know how long it will take, but hopefully soon.
"He is still on provisional suspension and whatever he has served will count towards whatever it ends up being.
"It could be something less, but it could be (four years)."
The tribunal is being chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
The Magpies were more tight-lipped.
"The club is not in a position to make any further comment," the Collingwood statement said.
After playing in a Hume league premiership with Henty in 2014, Murray joined Wodonga Raiders and finished third in the 2015 Morris Medal behind Albury duo Joel Mackie and Dean Polo.
The Sydney Swans used their last pick in the 2015 rookie draft on Murray and after two seasons with the club he was traded to Collingwood.
He made his AFL debut for the Magpies in round one last year and after round three he was nominated for the Rising Star award.
Murray was provisionally suspended in August when he returned the positive test for what is believed to be the illicit drug, cocaine.
He missed the Magpies charge to the grand final last year, but has been retained on the Magpies rookie list.