Murphy, 27, agreed with coach Rodney Eade's assessment the Dogs will enter this year's finals in better shape than they did in 2008.
"Last year our form wasn't all that great in the second half of the year, and we had a few injuries as well, as most clubs do," he said.
"I think we're in much better nick than last year."
Meanwhile, Higgins said the past three weeks have provided the Dogs with the perfect springboard from which to launch their campaign, with inspiring wins over the Brisbane Lions, Geelong and Collingwood boosting their confidence.
"We've gained some massive belief throughout the whole season, even though the media probably wasn't on the same page in terms", he said.
"Halfway through the year, we never lost belief, even though we were losing games.
"We've just had good run over the last three weeks, playing some quality opposition and getting three good wins."
Both players will play finals this year under different circumstances to how they did 12 months ago.
Murphy played finals for the first time in his career in 2008, and competed under duress with a persistent knee injury nagging him throughout the month.
Higgins came into the side just in time for September, after an ankle injury kept him from playing until round 21.
"It was strange for me because I missed most of the season last year, so I was coming in a little bit underdone and was just rapt to play," Murphy said.
"Personally, it was a little bit weird and we were massive underdogs and threw everything at Geelong last year and fell short.
"Hopefully we can go alright this week."
Higgins said his body was feeling good after playing the past two games, which were his first since round 17 owing to a hamstring strain.
"To miss three weeks was frustrating, but to get two games under my belt … I was a little bit rusty against Geelong two weeks ago, but I felt like I started to get a bit more run and touch back last week," he said.
Murphy said the Dogs were somewhat relieved Brian Lake would be available throughout the whole finals campaign, after the induced birth of his daughter this week.
"We're a better side with Brian in than without."
