Impressive youngster Lachlan Murphy is determined to make the most of his chance with Adelaide’s SANFL development squad as he hunts an AFL opportunity next year.

Murphy was overlooked at last year’s AFL National and Rookie drafts despite a stellar season with the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup Under 18s competition.

The courageous 18-year-old averaged 28 possessions, six tackles and five clearances to claim the Knights’ Brent Harvey Best and Fairest award despite playing only 10 games last year while juggling school football commitments.

Murphy, who also missed out on selection in Vic Metro’s Under 18 National Championships squad, said the disappointment has driven him to pursue his draft dream harder than ever.

“It was disappointing. I tried to give myself the best chance last year and it wasn’t to be,” Murphy said.

“But I’m OK with it now. I’ve kept my head up and I’m still quite young.

“When this opportunity came up to join the Crows, I thought it was a great way to get my foot in the door and show clubs that I can play against men and hopefully the rest will work itself out.”

SANFL stats: Round Five v Woodville-West Torrens

Murphy is certainly making the most of that opportunity.

He’s been one of Adelaide’s most consistent performers through the opening five rounds of the season. The skilful defender is averaging 19 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50ms a match, often giving away significant size and years of League football experience to his direct opponents.

Murphy also earned the season’s first Breakthrough Player award on debut for the SANFL Crows against reigning premiers Sturt in Round One.

“I’m enjoying my first season here so far, but it’s definitely a lot harder than in the (Under) 18s,” he said.

“I’m getting positive feedback from the coaches and there’s always plenty of room for improvement after every game. My instructions are pretty simple; just to take the game on, go and win my own ball when my man has got it, go and tackle him!

“I’m giving it all I’ve got and I’m really happy to be here.”

Murphy was again among Adelaide’s better contributors in Saturday’s loss to ladder leaders Woodville-West Torrens.  

The signs were ominous early as the SANFL Crows conceded the first three goals of the game to fall 23 points adrift midway through the opening quarter.

But Adelaide’s young side, which featured 13 players aged 21 or under, gradually fought its way back into the match to reduce the deficit to just 11 points at the main break.

The Crows were unable to continue their comeback in the second half, but Murphy said there were still plenty of positives to take from the clash with last year’s Grand Finalists.

“At times I thought we were pretty competitive,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain it and they started to control the ball a bit and picked their way through us too easily at times.

“Their midfield is strong and took over in that second half. They had a fair few quality clearances and the ball was coming in quickly to us in defence.

“The boys fought hard but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to get the job done.”

Adelaide sits seventh on the SANFL ladder with a 2-3 record after five games. The SANFL Crows have next weekend off due to the League’s split round before confronting the winless West Adelaide on Saturday, May 20.

Murphy said it was a good opportunity to recharge and reset before the big clash with the Bloods.

“That week off will be good for us. We’ve got a lot of teenagers in the side this year and it can be a long season,” he said.

“We’ll regroup as a team and hit the next game hard to try and get back on the winner’s list.”