It’s not often that an AFL player finds career-best form at age 32, but Robert Murphy has never been one to adhere to the ‘norm’.
Although Murphy has enjoyed consistency over recent years as one of his Club’s best, the defender has managed to find yet another level in 2015, clearly relishing his role as Club captain, and no doubt buoyed by the Dogs’ 4-1 start to the season.
TALKING POINTS: Recap all the talking points from the Dogs' four-point win against the Swans.
Speaking the morning after the win in Sydney, Murphy said the Dogs win against the Swans at the SCG was one of the most memorable of his career, and would give his group a lot of belief for the remainder of the season.
“You don’t say those things unless you come up against an opponent that’s so worthy and Sydney are one of the teams of this generation,” said Murphy speaking with 3AW on Sunday.
“They’re universally admired and respected by our footy club, so to go up there after a six day break and in the wet with the young side, all sort of culminated in a great day.”
Murphy has averaged 23 disposals from playing off half-back this year, and is travelling at an impressive 79 per cent efficiency. He collected 24 disposals on the weekend and was again of his side’s best.
In just under six months, Murphy has impressed with his on and off-field leadership, citing a love for the Club as one of his biggest drivers and it was no more evident than on the weekend.
“When you see a footy team sing the song the way they do, it’s almost like a mosh pit the Bulldogs theme song at the moment and we’re in a good place and we’re trying to keep it going, we want to protect that momentum and keep it going as long as we can."
Although not wanting to get carried away by the Bulldogs brilliant start to the season, Murphy said it was important his side took the time to enjoy the hard-fought win.
“We’re well aware that we’ve got to play St Kilda in six days’ time and they’ll be hungry so you bat up again.
“The game up there was such a great experience, to win away is always, aside from finals, they’re really special times in player’s careers so there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the moment.”
