Robert Murphy
Guernsey number: 2
2013 games: 19
Career games: 249
2013 goals: 13
Career goals: 167
2013 Brownlow votes: 3
Career Brownlow votes: 43

Season in short:

Another standout season saw the veteran Murphy finishing fourth in the Bulldogs’ best and fairest despite missing three games through injury. The highly respected leader was at his dashing best, averaging the most kicks, second-most rebound-50s and third-most inside-50s of any player at the Club. He also booted 13 goals when leaving his defensive post, rotating through the wing and deeper into the forward line as required. Among his highlights were classy 29-disposal games against West Coast in Round 18 and Melbourne in Round 23. Murphy’s check-side banana from the Etihad Stadium pocket against Brisbane received the Goal of the Year nomination for Round one.

What they said:

"I'm lucky enough to be paired with Bob Murphy and he speaks to me about all things, footy and life. He's helped me settle in and gives me feedback on my games, so he's been a huge support."

- Jack Macrae, round eight, 2013

The stat that mattered:

Not only did Murphy average the most kicks of any Bulldogs player this season (ranked 14^th in the competition for the stat) but he also leads the Club in kicking efficiency. When disposing by foot, Murphy was able to hit a target 84% of the time – almost 4% more than the second placed Bulldog in Dale Morris.

Pre-season focus:

As a senior figure at the kennel, Murphy’s main role will be to continue setting the bar for pre-season standards and leading by example. With an influx in outside running type players at the Club, there will be plenty of young pups looking to draw on the veteran’s knowledge and experience in the AFL system. Entering his 15th season of senior football, Murphy will be looking to manage his training loads through the pre-season to ensure he's fresh and ready to go come round one.

In the news:

Lapses getting shorter: Murphy

Dogs learning to adjust on the run

Murph's goal, Jones' mark nominated