Season in short:
Just like fine wine, Robert Murphy is getting better with age. It’s not a cliché, it’s fact.
The 32-year-old veteran half-back didn’t miss a game in season 2014, after a pre-season elbow injury threatened to derail his start to the year.
PLAYER PROFILE: View Robert Murphy's player profile and 2014 season statistics.
Murphy played his 250th career match in the away season opener against West Coast, and amassed an equal career best 32-disposals in the Bulldogs round 19 loss to Hawthorn.
Murphy’s consistent season was rewarded with fourth place in the Sutton Medal, placing behind eventual winner Tom Liberatore, and minor placegetters Jack Macrae and Ryan Griffen.
The 2012 All Australian averaged 20.7 disposals per match at 81.6% efficiency in 2014, and upheld his mantle as one of the most creative and damaging rebounding defenders in the competition.
Murphy ranked equal seventh in the league for rebound 50m, and number one at the club for running bounces (equal 11th in the AFL).
Penning a new one-year deal in July, to extend his career into a 16th season in 2015, Murphy’s experience and leadership is as valuable now, more than ever.
Poised to enter the new year with one of the youngest playing lists the Club has fielded in recent times, the veteran half-back is the mature mentor that Bulldogs need.
The stat that mattered
For only the third time in Murphy’s career, he didn’t miss a regular season match.
What they said:
“I'm still enjoying my footy and I obviously love this place so to get another contract, I'm really happy about it.”
“I love seeing how the young guys are shaping our footy club so I'm keen to come along for the ride.”
"But personally I feel good and optimistic about where we are headed as a footy club. I feel I still have something to offer.” – Robert Murphy (17 July, 2014)
