FORMER Collingwood defender Sam Murray believes he's turned the corner as he enters the final stretch of his drugs suspension and has plenty to offer clubs if he's thrown an AFL lifeline.

Murray – who was handed an 18-month ban for returning a positive test for cocaine on game day - can train with an AFL club from December 17 and is eligible to play from February 17 next year.

"My football stacks up compared to people coming through the draft this year and kids that haven't dealt with things I've dealt with," Murray told News Corp.

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"I've probably dealt with bigger lows in football than anyone else and dealt with more outside of football than most footballers probably deal with.

"When I look back, I'm not naive to the fact there's question marks over me, but there's no point being down on it or reliving it every day.

"I'm not saying what happened was good, ever, but I think I'm in better shape now to be a professional athlete and better human than ever."

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As first reported by AFL.com.au in October, Melbourne, Richmond, Greater Western Sydney and North Melbourne are among clubs who have registered interest in reviving the 22-year-old's career.

"I'm genuinely driven to get back and play footy, I'm genuinely driven to be a better person, I'm driven to make good decisions and live my life the way I want to and know I should," he said.

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"I'll train my hardest to play AFL football, but if I don't play AFL football I'll be playing football somewhere.

"I'll just give myself the best opportunity to get back on a list."

Murray played all 13 of his senior matches last year after two previous seasons at Sydney, averaging 21 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s while earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.