Season in short:
The influence Bob Murphy had on the Western Bulldogs in season 2015 has simply been immeasurable.
Taking on the mantle of Club captain following a difficult off-season, Murphy stepped up to the challenge like no one could have predicted.
Under his leadership, the Bulldogs rose from 14th to sixth on the AFL ladder, with the veteran defender enjoying his equal, if not best, season on-field.
He averaged 22 disposals and four marks from the half-back line, teaming up with Easton Wood and Matthew Boyd as the generals of the Dogs’ defensive half.
Murphy sat fourth in the competition at the end of the home and away season for bounces, 10th for rebound 50s and 13th for kicks, with his ball use once again the standout of his game.
Most telling, and perhaps the descriptor for Murphy’s season, was his selection on the All-Australian half-back line and an overwhelming choice as the side’s captain.
The 33-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in May, delighting fans in deciding to play on for one more year.
Set to play his 300th game in 2015, Murphy clearly shows no signs of slowing down.
The stat that mattered:
Murphy finished the season at 80 per cent disposal efficiency, the highest of any player in the league who averaged over 22 disposals per game.
What they said:
“It’s been a pretty special year from where we started the year to where it finished and the ride along the way was incredible… I think the secret to playing at 33 is just surround yourself with young and energetic, fit and really talented young footballers so that was the year. We had a generation of players come together and shape our footy team and I was honoured to lead them out every week.” – Bob Murphy, September 2015
“The old boy just keeps getting better. His pace off half-back, his ball use is just impeccable and the way that he sets up an helps the fellow defenders is just amazing so for him to come and captain the Club the way that he did and lead the backline the way that he did, he’s had a sensational year.” – Rohan Smith (Western Bulldogs Assistant Coach), September 2015
