Murray's clearance to his second club, Wangaratta Rovers, was only finalised last week after being overlooked.

'I'm still playing VFL, I hadn't nominated a second club and obviously with everything (COVID-19) going on, we didn't get around to doing it, 'Crezza' (Wangaratta Rovers' coach Daryn Cresswell) and I," Murray said.

"I was in a position where I might not have played anywhere at all, if the VFL hadn't gone ahead and I hadn't been cleared to the O and M, I wouldn't have played at all, I would have had another year off."

Generally, a VFL player registers with his community (second) club first, with his primary outfit then applying for a season permit, allowing the player to move freely between the two.

Murray received an 18-month ban in August, 2018, after testing positive to a banned substance on match day.

The defender had played 13 games in his debut season with Collingwood.

He was hoping to be drafted last year, but was overlooked.

"I know that my talent still warrants playing AFL and I know with great maturity and a lease of life, I'll have myself in a very exciting position," he said.

"Being able to reflect on where I was in terms of football and where I am now, I am very confident, regardless of the time frame, I'm still capable of playing AFL.

"What's in my favour is I've had two years off and my body is ready to play football for a long period of time.

"In the pre-season at Williamstown, I probably got myself in the best physical shape of my life.

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"I'm a competitor and I want to continue to play at the highest level but I'm not focusing on playing AFL, just that first game."

Neither the VFL or O and M has confirmed their season.