Rising forward Lachie Murphy says rehab can be tough but getting an opportunity to guide Adelaide’s younger players is helping him push through.

Murphy signed a new two-year deal on Thursday keeping him at the Club until at least 2023. 

The 22-year-old is recovering from ankle surgery following a syndesmosis injury in the Round 8 Showdown.

Murphy said a shining light during rehab was being able to help guide the players lining up for the Crows’ SANFL side.

“Rehab can be a little bit down,” Murphy said.

“My mindset (in rehab) has been as positive as I can.

“I’ve been lucky enough to sit in the box at the SANFL the last couple of weeks, just trying to help out the forwards there.”

Murphy said the culture at the club was a huge reason behind his decision to re-sign. 

“It’s a fantastic environment, a fantastic Club,” Murphy said.

“We are building something really positive and as Nicksy (Matthew Nicks) says, it’s a culture where people are enjoying coming to work.

“We are building in the footy area and we are getting better at certain areas on the field but off field it’s a fantastic place to be.”

Murphy joined the Club from Victoria as a SANFL development player in 2017, when he won the Dean Bailey Award as the best and most dedicated development prospect in Adelaide’s state league team.

The Crows selected him as a rookie at the end of 2017 and he was then upgraded to the senior list in 2019.

Murphy, who has since played 52 games and kicked 42 goals, said it was an honour to play for the Crows.

“I thought, prior to my injury, it was probably the most consistent footy I’ve been playing,” he said.

“To be able to get the trust in the footy Club to be able to stay on for a couple more years, it was really nice and it was a no-brainer.

“I just love playing footy, it’s a great sport and it’s just a privilege that I can do it full time to be honest.”