Bright start for sharpshooter Murray
Even a tame PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s fan would have come across APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ Jordan Murray this season who has featured heavily in our weekly match highlights.
With a perfect start to their campaign thus far, APIA can already attribute Murray, who is mainly responsible for knocking off 2016 Premiers Sydney United 58 in the first round of the season as well as Hakoah Sydney City Easy last weekend at home.
With three goals in just two games, Jordan has already solidified himself as the league’s leading goal scorer.
Prior to heading into his second season with the Tigers, Murray, now 21, spent the majority of his career playing down south with the Wollongong Wolves.
“I spent all of my junior days playing in Wollongong. I started locally with Russell Vale and Bulli, before moving onto the Wolves. I had so many great memories there where I made my first-grade debut at the age of 18. I scored a double that day which is something I’ll never forget.
“At the end of 2015, APIA approached me to play for them within the first grade set up and I knew It was an offer I couldn’t knock back. It was an exciting period and a move that really motivated me to push on with my football.”
However, for the boy from Wollongong, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing where he spent a large period of 2016 on the sidelines. Breaking his foot in preseason, Murray felt like it was something he just had to take in stride.
“Injuries are unfortunately apart of the sport.
“It wasn’t easy mentally in the beginning, but I was hell bent on getting through my rehab properly and getting back out on the pitch. I finished last season fantastically on a personal note scoring goals in a team that probably didn’t live up to its potential. APIA is a fantastic club, and one I’m proud to be a part of.”
After the disappointment of last year, both Murray and APIA have put together a strong preseason that they have seen them take two wins from the first two matches.
“The vibe in and around the club at the moment is first class.
“We are well aware that football can turn on a dime and we have to stay focused throughout the season.
“APIA has instilled in me a desire to put in 100% each and every week, so if we can stick together and continue to churn out great performances, there’s no limit to what we can achieve this year.”
-By Joseph Esposito
