Western Bulldogs veteran Bob Murphy has announced that the 2017 season will be the last of his brilliant AFL playing career.
Murphy will close the curtain on an 18-year career at the highest level as a dual All-Australian and universally admired captain of the Bulldogs.
On field, Murphy will be remembered for his composure, agility, versatility, ability to read the play and execute under pressure, and incredible skill on both sides of his body.
Equally, he is held in the highest regard for his leadership on and off the field, particularly in the latter stages of his career.
Murphy is one of only seven players in Bulldogs’ history to play 300 games, alongside Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Doug Hawkins, Ted Whitten, Scott West and Rohan Smith.
“It has been an incredible experience being part of the Western Bulldogs Football Club for almost two decades, but now is the right time to finish my career,” Murphy said.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside some of the greats of this club and under some inspiring coaches, and each person has helped shape me as a player and person.
“I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received along the way, from my team-mates, coaches and club staff, my family and friends, and from the amazing Bulldogs’ members and fans.
“It has been an honour to captain the club for the last three seasons, and I will leave the game satisfied that I gave everything I possibly could.”
Murphy arrived at the Bulldogs via the 1999 National Draft with selection 13, and made his debut in Round 19, 2000.
By the following year he was a regular in the Bulldogs team, and he continued to build his credentials by receiving an AFL Rising Star nomination and being named the Club’s most promising player in 2001.
In 2005 he booted 33 goals as a forward, and he had kicked 13 goals in nine matches to start the 2006 season before he was grounded by a serious knee injury which required a reconstruction.
One of his most dominant seasons came in 2011, when as a defender he was named in the All-Australian team and finished second in the Charles Sutton Medal.
Murphy took over the captaincy in 2015, and put together a brilliant season which resulted in him being named captain of the All-Australian team and securing another second-place in the Club Best and Fairest.
A second knee reconstruction prematurely ended his 2016 season, but he has returned to form quickly this season in 15 games so far.
“Bob is a once in a generation type character in what he has achieved both on and off the field,” said Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge.
“He has been one of the most consistent performers for the Club in the last 18 seasons, because on top of his natural ability he has driven himself to continually improve and get the best out of himself.
“But it’s the impact he’s had off the field, in terms of setting standards for his team-mates, leading by example and driving the right culture, which is difficult for those outside the club to fully appreciate.
“The Bulldogs have been lucky to have Bob Murphy, and he leaves an incredibly strong legacy.”
