FALSE modesty upon receiving an award is the standard public image most Australian sportsmen like to present but there was nothing false about Robert Murphy's reaction to his first All Australian selection.

The Bulldogs defender received his first All Australian gong on Monday night when he was named on the half-back flank.

While many selections on the night were no-brainers, Murphy's came as a shock to many, not least of all himself.

But he says the achievement came his way thanks largely to his dependability in what was at times a decimated Bulldog back six.

"It comes back to that word consistency, that is what everyone is after and you would have heard a lot in the speeches tonight," he said.

"It was definitely my most consistent year and I am over the moon. I am genuinely shocked to be in the team whereas I think the other guys would have expected it. I am genuinely shocked and really pleased."

The Bulldogs endured a poor year affected heavily by injury, poor form to one of their stars in Brian Lake and a spate of injuries to key players that resulted in them slipping to 10th position and Rodney Eade losing his job.

Murphy says it was a disappointing season.

"It's quite strange actually. It's hard because it's a team game and a disappointing year but also when you get to my age, I'm just really proud that I can play my best footy at this time," he said.

"I suppose that crystalises that it is the best year I've ever had and it's nice to be recognised."

Murphy's law was indeed in force for the announcement by full-back of the
AFL Team of the Century and seven-time All Australian Stephen Silvagni of the All Australian back six. Upon announcing the half-back line, Silvagni tripped on his words and mixed Murphy up with former St Kilda great Robert Harvey.

That brought the crowd, Murphy included to laughter.

"I had about a whole second of pure elation and getting carried away with myself," he said.

"That's the great thing about footy, it's not too long before you're brought back a peg. It was quite humorous and quite fitting in a way."