Murray cleared to return to Pies

COLLINGWOOD faces a tough decision on Sam Murray’s football future after the young Magpie was cleared to return next year from a cocaine suspension.

Murray’s ban for a matchday positive was yesterday set at 18 months by AFL AntiDoping Tribunal, meaning he can return to training on December 17 and is eligible to play in Round 1 next year. It was initially feared he was facing four years out of the game.

News Corp understands he was able to convince the tribunal he took the drug a number of days before the gameday positive in July 2018, his debut season in the AFL. Murray, 21, declared he was more determined than ever to continue his AFL career.

He played 13 games for the Pies until Round 21 last year, having accepted a provisional suspension by Collingwood but continuing to be paid while training away from the club. “I’m more committed than ever before to continue my AFL career and can now focus on doing everything in my power to keep that dream alive,” Murray said.

“I will wait for the tribunal to deliver the full reasons for its decisions and will be in a position to provide further comment at that time.”

Collingwood will need to assess its team make-up for 2020 and Murray’s level of professionalism before deciding whether he remains.

Murray provided plenty of dash for the Pies off half-back but at times turned the ball over with poor kicking and would now be competing for impressive youngster Isaac Quaynor for a similar role.