Northern Territory ruck-forward Taj Murray has been named the 2025 Hunter Harrison Medallist, recognising his standout performances in this year’s Academy Series and Marsh AFL National Championships.
Projected to be selected in the upcoming 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, Murray becomes just the seventh Territorian to receive the prestigious award. He joins an exclusive group of Territory stars including Mark Ryan (1993), Steven Koops (1995), Fred Campbell (1997), Anthony Corrie (2002), Richard Tambling (2004), and Jake Neade (2012).
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. The award is named after Territory football pioneer Hunter Harrison, a three-time NTFL president whose service to the game earned him NTFL Life Membership (1971), the Silver Jubilee Award (1977), an MBE (1979), and eventual induction into the AFLNT Hall of Fame in 2011. He is also a life member of the Australian Football Council.
Murray’s 2025 campaign was marked by consistency and impact. Playing for the Northern Territory in the Coates Talent League, he averaged 11.6 disposals, 4.6 marks, and 22.6 hitouts per game. He 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, 8 hitouts, and 3 clearances against Victoria Country, before taking on a reduced role in the final match against Victoria Metro.
The award has previously been won by some of the AFL’s most recognisable names, including 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.