RIVERINA AFL product Sam Murray has his sights on an AFL debut as he prepares himself for a second season in the big time.
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Murray made a rare trip home to Ganmain on Tuesday as part of the Sydney Swans’ AFL Community Camp.
Murray was surprised by his grandparents as he took a trip back down memory lane during a quick visit of Ganmain.
The 19-year-old is nearing the end of his second pre-season in the system and now has his sights set on an AFL debut.
“It took a little time to find my feet but for me, at the moment, it’s all about trying to find consistency in my game and work on my flaws and try to get myself to the level I need to be at,” Murray said.
“I obviously want to crack into the senior side, that’s first and foremost, but I want to get my game to a consistent level where I can fall back on what I know is good, what I know works.”
Murray grew up in Ganmain before moving to Henty where he played in a Hume League premiership with the Swampies.
He then crossed to Wodonga Raiders for a season before being drafted.
Murray said he thoroughly enjoyed his return to Ganmain.
“It was good, it was a bit of a shock, I didn’t expect to get back there,” he said.
“It hasn’t changed much but it was good to see the teachers. Being such a small town, we didn’t really have any AFL players come there ever so to have that for the kids is great.”
Growing up in Riverina townships of Ganmain and Henty, Murray realises the importance of these visits.
“It’s been great. I reckon giving back to the community that gives so much to us is always important, especially having kids down here, who could potentially be AFL players,” he said.
“All they need is an idol to look at or someone to give them a bit of encouragement and you never know where the development of their game could go to.”