East Freo star Murdock gets long-awaited AFL shot

East Fremantle star Milan Murdock has finally been given a long-awaited AFL chance at West Coast.

The three-time Simpson medallist and triple Sharks fairest-and-best winner was snapped up by the Eagles as a rookie ahead of next week’s Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) deadline.

The opportunity came after a season-ending knee injury to Noah Long opened up a list spot at West Coast, who have long been fans of Murdock.

Murdock, one of the most consistent players in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition, has been banging down the opportunity for several seasons.

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The 25-year-old averaged 27.4 disposals and 7.8 tackles last season, while kicking nine goals.

He won a pair of State game Simpson Medals, including one in last year’s drought-breaking win over South Australia at Adelaide Oval, to go with another in East Freo’s 2023 premiership triumph.

He becomes the second Shark this week to earn an AFL gig after small forward Mitch Zadow was picked up by Port Adelaide after training with the club since November.

“Just over the moon, absolutely,” Murdock told the Eagles’ website.

“It almost felt like the dream was close to being over. I was never going to give up anyway, but then ‘Mini’ (Andrew McQualter) just called me on Wednesday.

“I was at work and he just said ‘Look, mate, it’s your last day on the tools, you’re going to be wearing the blue and gold this year’.

“I worked just extremely hard the last 15 years, so for this to happen, it’s just a massive relief.

“And now the hard work really starts as well, so I’m just more eager than ever just to have a crack.”