While being drafted to an AFL club usually means packing up and moving away from home, Brendan Murphy’s case is a bit more extreme.

Murphy was a second round selection in the 2007 national rookie draft, making the big move from County Carlow in Ireland to Sydney at the age of 18.

“It was a massive move, I think at the time I didn’t know what I had in store. What was bad was the homesickness, having to grow up all that quicker to live on the other side of the world,” Murphy said.

But not far away was another Irishman who had just so happened to go through the same kind of process.

Tadhg Kennelly played a major role in bringing Murphy to the Sydney Swans, after he had been offered a contract with the Brisbane Lions.

“Tadhg’s been a massive help for me, he’s looked after me and done lots of stuff with me.

“I probably would have found it a lot tougher…I even wonder if I’d still be here,” he said.

After missing the pre-season due to a foot injury, Murphy injured his shoulder in round one of 2009 and only made his comeback two weeks ago.

And the second half of the season is looking much better for the player from the tiny village of Rathvilly.

“The shoulder is good, I have to get it strapped every game, but I’m not even thinking about it to be honest,” Murphy said.

“The first game back I got a bit of a hit on it and it felt good so after that I think I got a bit of confidence.”

After spending a substantial amount of the 2009 season on the sidelines, Murphy is just happy to be putting back to back games together in the Swans Reserves side.

“I was only thinking on the weekend that I’ve only played three games this year. It’s good, it gives you confidence in yourself and it’s just good to be back out with the boys.”

Another positive for Murphy and his teammates is the decision by Paul Roos to give some of the younger players at the Club a run in the senior side.

“All the young blokes are excited, (Reserves Coach) Brett (Allison) talked to us before the game and told us that there were opportunities there and you can see it gave all the boys a lift.”

With these spots up for grabs, Murphy is doing everything he can to be in the mix of talent up for selection.

“I’m happy enough with my two games back. Now I’m just trying to get some form together and hopefully if I get the chance, just try and take it,” he said.

And while he is unsure what the near future will hold, as he is off contract at the end of the year, he is just focused on the rest of this season.

“I’m just taking it game by game and just see then what’s in store for me. I’m not really thinking about that too much, I’m just trying to get myself into the senior team.”

Despite last weekend’s 60-point loss to Eastlake, Murphy says that Allison is happy with the hard work the boys are putting in.

“He was happy with the effort, he just said the scoreline didn’t resemble the effort that all the boys put in.”

Murphy is hoping that his team can turn their fortunes around this weekend against third placed Ainslie at the SCG.

“I think we just need a massive effort from all the boys. We haven’t been going that well which is a bit disappointing so we want to try and get back on track on our home ground.

“We have two home games coming up… and if we get two wins it’ll give us a bit of confidence going into the finals end of the season.”