NT draft prospect Taj Murray wins Hunter Harrison Medal
A Northern Territory draft prospect has done his chances no harm after being named the best player in the AFL national championships and academy series.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory’s leading draft prospect Taj Murray has been named the Hunter Harrison medallist following his standout showings in the Academy Series and National Championships.
The Hunter Harrison Medal is awarded to the best player in the Academy Series, which features non-Victorian academy teams competing in the Coates Talent League.
It’s named after a Territory football pioneer who was a three-time NTFL president who earned life membership, the Silver Jubilee Award and an MBE.
Murray is just the seventh Territorian to receive the prestigious award following Mark Ryan (1993), Steven Koops (1995), Fred Campbell (1997), Anthony Corrie (2002), Richard Tambling (2004) and Jake Neade (2012).
He’s regarded as a top prospect for the upcoming 2025 Telstra AFL Draft and made a consistent impact for the NT in the Coates Talent League.
He averaged 11.6 disposals, 4.6 marks, and 22.6 hitouts per game and carried that form into the national stage, where he impressed in his Allies debut with four goals, 11 disposals, and 15 hitouts.
He backed it up with 11 disposals, eight hitouts, and three clearances against Victoria Country, before taking on a reduced role in the final match against Victoria Metro.
Beyond the Territory some of the AFL’s most recognisable names have won the Hunter Harrison Medal.
Winners included Michael Voss, Grant Birchall, Mitch Robinson, Kade Kolodjashnij, Toby Nankervis, Isaac Heeney, Ben Keays, Nick Blakey and Jaspa Fletcher, highlighting the level of talent associated with the honour.
Murray’s performances have him firmly on the radar of AFL recruiters, with the 2025 AFL Draft set for November 19–20.
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Originally published as NT draft prospect Taj Murray wins Hunter Harrison Medal
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