westernbulldogs.com.au revisits the draft years that helped shape the current crop of Bulldogs, starting with 1999.

ROBERT MURPHY

The sole current Bulldog recruited in the 1990s, Robert Murphy was a first round selection (pick 13 overall) in the 1999 AFL National Draft.

Murphy is one of only three players taken in that draft still playing, in good company alongside Fremantle’s Matthew Pavlich and Geelong’s Corey Enright.

At 18, Murphy made his AFL debut in round 19 2000, in a three-point win against Carlton, picking up 13 disposals, two marks and a goal on debut.

Over 16 seasons, the 33-year-old has averaged 18 games every year – despite a long layoff during 2006 after a severe knee injury.

One of the most durable players in recent years, Murphy’s ability to come back from the injury and play his best football (with two All-Australian selections in 2011 and 2015) highlights his resilience.

Appointed Club captain at the start of the 2015 season, Murphy was undeniably a draft highlight for the Dogs, and led a stellar draft for the Club in 1999.

Murphy and his fellow 1999 draftees totalled over 1200 games, with club greats Daniel Giansiracusa (265), Lindsay Gilbee (206) and Ryan Hargrave (203) all part of the class of 1999.

1999 recruits

National Draft

Pick 13: Robert Murphy (292 games)

Pick 32: Daniel Giansiracusa (265)

Pick 35: Patrick Wiggins (12)

Pick 37: Mitch Hahn (181)

Pick 43: Lindsay Gilbee (206)

Pick 58: Patrick Bowden (75)

Pick 66: Ryan Hargrave (203)

Pre-season draft

Pick 9: Andrew Wills (148)