Sam Murray's 18-month drug ban will be over in mid-December, and three AFL clubs are looking at handing the former Collingwood defender a lifeline.
According to the Herald Sun Richmond, GWS and Melbourne are all considering drafting the 22-year-old, who was a mainstay in Collingwood's 2018 side before he tested positive to cocaine on game day.
Most clubs have decided to steer clear of Murray, meaning he'll likely need to wait until Friday's rookie draft if he's to hear his name called out.
If Murray isn't selected and placed on an AFL list, it is believed he'll sign with an AFL-aligned VFL club, in the hope of a recall to the AFL in the future.
Murray can train with a club from December 17, and will be free to play from February 17 next year.
Murray's former coach (and former Swans star) Daryn Creswell coached the defender in the Ovens and Murray league, and spoke to the Herald Sun about his future, suggesting Murray was as ready as he's ever seen him.
โHe ran a 2km the other day in 6min 35 sec. Iโve never seen Sam that fit before,โ Creswell said.
โBefore his case was heard he trained with us, and then heโs obviously not allowed to train now heโs had that suspension, but heโs hired his own personal trainer (Danny Kennedy).
โThe kidโs got enormous talent, enormous talent.
โHeโs really positive and heโs got a good mindset, even to the point where he says if I donโt get drafted Iโll go play VFL and Iโll prove myself and that Iโve changed and that I want an opportunity again,โ Creswell said.
โThatโs one thing weโve spoken about and heโll go to an AFL-aligned (VFL club), so he can be under their eyes and guidance. Itโs a good attitude to have.
โTo be honest he suffered a bit of depression when that (drug saga) happened to him, which is understandable, but Iโve noticed a real change and a real weight off his shoulders since he got the suspension.
โYou donโt really know what you had until itโs gone and I think thatโs really hit home for him.โ
