Border Mail |
DEREK Murray jumped out of bed just like any other morning.
But instead of the usual spring in his step he found himself writhing in pain after tearing his Achilles.
Playing for Culcairn last season he immediately thought it could be the end of his football career.
“I took it as a sign of things to come and that I needed to hang up the boots,” Murray said.
“I went and had scans that revealed I had tore about 70 per cent of my Achilles and had to wear a moon boot for three weeks.
“I didn’t do anything for five weeks then trained back at Culcairn for a week.
“It didn’t pull up sore after training on the Tuesday and Thursday so I played that week against Jindera.
“I pulled up OK on the Sunday but then did my Achilles again mowing the lawns the next day and was in a cast for a month.”
Then 32, Murray decided to hang up his boots and dedicate more of his spare time to his three young girls.
The former Port Adelaide player was content with his decision to retire before being coaxed into playing for the Millewah Suns in the annual Jack Atkinson Memorial Carnival at Wagga in February by cousin John Murray.
The Border-based Suns won the carnival and sparked Murray’s passion to return to the field.
Murray decided to join Jindera and play alongside John, who coaches the Bulldog reserves.
“After playing in the Aboriginal carnival it sparked my passion for the game again,” he said.
“I think it was mainly just getting among a team environment and the atmosphere.
“Especially playing with the indigenous community who are like brothers.
“We stick pretty close and to win the carnival for the first time in only our second year was something special.”
Murray played the opening three rounds in the reserves before being promoted to the seniors in round 4 against Rand-Walbundrie.
And Murray couldn’t be happier.
“I’m loving it and back really enjoying my footy again,” he said.
“The Jindera football club is a fantastic family football club.
“And one of the reasons I love it is because they have put up their hand to hold a special event this Saturday to recognise NAIDOC (National Aboriginies and Islanders Day Of Celebration) week.”
NAIDOC week aims to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of indigenous Australians.
The Bulldogs will wear an Aboriginal-designed jumper, with the netballers also wearing special bibs.
Starting at 12.30pm, there will be a welcome to the country ceremony by local elder Auntie Nancy including the raising of the Aboriginal flag and the playing of the didgeridoo by Jindera player Martin Paton.
“I think it is significant for the Aboriginal community to see a football club who want to take on a role like that,” he said.
“It’s going to be a fantastic day.
“John Murray has been the driving force behind getting the day up and running.
“Johnny is a real shaker and a mover in the Jindera community, both on and off the field.”
Despite enjoying his time at Jindera, Murray has declared this season will be his last.
“This is definitely my last year,” he said
“I have got three young daughters and footy takes up a lot of your spare time.
“The Jindera reserves are undefeated and hopefully can go all the way.
“It doesn’t matter what league or level you win a flag at, a premiership is a premiership and it’s all about the memories.”
