SANFL Development Player Toby Murray took plenty away from his first hit out in the State League a fortnight ago, saying it was a great learning experience in his young footy journey.

The 200cm ruck/forward did not look out of place in his SANFL debut, kicking a game-high four goals in Adelaide’s come from behind five-point win against the Panthers.

Along with his four majors, Murray amassed 13 disposals, six marks and eight score involvements, which saw him recognised as the SANFL Breakthrough Player for Round One.

“It was a good start to the season,” Murray told AFC Media.

“I think it was off the work the boys have been doing in the preseason, playing to our structure and then playing how we want to play, and I was just fortunate to get onto the end of a few.

“I think it took me the first quarter and a half to get up to speed on the physicality and the speed of SANFL footy.

“It was definitely intense but also a great learning curve and one that I look forward to facing for the rest of the year.”

Murray joined the Crows SANFL program this season following stints in the VFL for Collingwood and Essendon, and Ovens and Murray Football League in north-east Victoria for the Wangaratta Rovers.  

The opportunity to join and train alongside Adelaide’s AFL list and his brother, Crows defender Nick Murray has not been lost on the 20-year-old, who said he is already seeing great development in his game. 

“Obviously having that opportunity to train with the AFL list is massive,” Murray said.

“Also doing a bit of extra work with guys like Reilly O’Brien, Nick (Murray) and Riley Thilthorpe, guys that really work hard and hone their craft.

“To be able to do that and then build continuity by coming in every week and just trying to improve and then bring it on game days has been very pleasing.”

A draw card to playing for Adelaide’s SANFL side this year was the potential prospect of lining up next to his brother as he works his way back from an ACL injury.

“We have had a few discussions about it but hopefully we will get one or two games together which will be pleasing,” Murray said.

“We haven’t played on the same team together since we were kids, so it will be very good to play alongside him in the SANFL if it happens.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side takes on Central District this Saturday afternoon at Elizabeth Oval with the first bounce at 2:30pm.