Be it fluke or serendipity, blue skies overlooked Whitten Oval the day Bob Murphy became captain.
Symbolic perhaps of the fresh start awaiting the team of the West.
A new coach, new players, a new leader, and new pages on which to write the Club’s next chapter.
The setting was almost poetic, much like Bob’s way with words.
“It does feel like the energy source has shifted to the younger guys,” said Murphy, reflecting in the immediate afterglow of his appointment.
“I just want to put all my energy into nurturing that and nurturing their thirst for how far they want to take it.”
While little more than a week into the preseason, the commitment and purpose amongst the playing group is apparentMurphy says.
They’re crafting a path, transfixed on their destination.
“The great thing about this footy club is that sense of community, and belonging to a common cause.
“It can sound a bit clichéd, but that’s the way forward for our footy club at the moment.
“With the difficulties of last year, now it does feel like there’s a bit of regeneration and I’m invigorated by that.”
After a tumultuous off-season, Murphy is ready and willing to take charge.
“The thing I’ve always prided myself on is that resilience side of things in tough times, and there will be some more challenges ahead, “ Murphy said.
“To remain visible, and vocal and very much a part of it when things aren’t going well, just as when they are.”
Having long considered himself a leader at the Club, the recent turn of events stirred in him a zeal to be the leader of the pack.
“I’ve been quite keen for the role in the last few months, but to get the news [of the captaincy] was quite overwhelming, and you automatically think of the people close to you and what it means to them… but also the history of the footy club, and the reverence that I ‘ve got for not just the club, but the role of the captain, it’s a big honour.”
But while the skies are blue and seemingly limitless, the first step towards the horizon is small.
“With the tumultuous last few months, the first order of business is to get to know the coach Luke Beveridge, and also just to get the players as one, together, in the same boat, heading in the same direction, which is one of the great things about all footy clubs,” Murphy said.
And while the horizon of round one might seem miles away, Murphy has allowed himself a moment to cast his mind forward.
“I’m already thinking of how proud I am of the playing group, and the footy club, and my part in that.
“I can’t wait to run out round one and give West Coast a bit of a fright.”
Nothing but blue skies does Bob see.
