This time in 2021, Nick Murray was fresh off the farm in the NSW Riverina after being drafted to the Crows via the AFL’s pre-season supplementary selection period. 

But the defender never thought he’d be lining up on the big stage in his first year. 

“(It) was just out of my imagination,” Murray told AFC Media. 

“To be involved with the Club and get signed was a dream come true, so to actually play a couple of games and get a couple of wins and experience the AFL level was unbelievable.”

With 13 AFL games now under his belt, Murray heads into his second pre-season feeling ready to take himself to the next level. 

“Body’s holding up well, it’s obviously my first full pre-season coming in before Christmas and everyone’s looking good,” Murray told AFC Media. 

“(Last year) I was still very raw coming off working big days on the farm, so at least this year I’ve been able to have a proper off-season and really work on the things I’ve needed to work on.

“I’ve been able to come in and do the four weeks before Christmas and attack that, get to this January period and put my best foot forward.”

The 21-year-old said Crows ruckman Reilly O’Brien, who housed Murray through the 2021 season, was a role model when it came to training. 

“Living with (Reilly O’Brien) and learning his habits last year, he’s obviously a big professional and is always doing extras, so to learn off him has been the biggest influence,” Murray said. 

“He got me done, he’s pretty crazy with his training habits and stuff - I try to keep up with him but he’s very fit for his size.”

Heading into season 2022, Murray said the mix of experienced defenders, like Luke Brown and Brodie Smith, and fresh faces like Jordon Butts, was looking exciting.

“To play games together builds a really good connection, so coming into this season we had a really clear view of what we need to do,” Murray said. 

“It’s definitely going to pay big dividends this year.”