Bob Murphy’s 250th game was a match to forget from his team’s perspective. His Western Bulldogs side were thrashed by 65 points in Perth by a rejuvenated West Coast.
Murphy has given 250 professional, consistent and most importantly, loyal, games to the Bulldogs despite limited on-field success.
He arrived at the kennel as a skinny 17-year-old who looked nothing like a footballer, but has turned into a champion of his club.
The Bulldog spent the middle part of his career playing as a hard-running, undersized centre-half-forward under coach Rodney Eade.
He later moved back to defence where his decision-making and execution by both hand and foot was a feature of his game.
Murphy is in the twilight of his career and it is a shame that he is likely to join the long list of quality footballers who go unrewarded with a premiership.
Playing ability aside, Murphy is regarded among the AFL community as a champion bloke. The Eagles sent him from the field with a guard of honour, such is the respect that club has for him.
Murphy is highly articulate and his insights into the game are often fascinating. His dry wit and honesty makes him perfect for television and he is a regular guest on the AFL360 programme.
From a personal perspective, even I have a Robert Murphy story. After the Bulldogs defeated Gold Coast in Darwin two years ago I used my media pass to get into the Dogs’ change-room.
I did not intend to write a story but I wanted to soak up the atmosphere and admire the professionalism exhibited by AFL clubs.
As all the players were recovering for the following week, Murphy hopped up out of his seat and made his way over to me.
He told me that if I there was anyone I wanted to speak to just ask him as he would be able to bring them over for me.
He did not need to make this nice gesture, but that is just the type of bloke he is.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Gold Coast defender Wil Powell has been banned for five matches after using a homophobic slur during the Suns' loss to Brisbane. Powell was…
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
The Bulldogs are on a downward spiral and hold, potentially, one of the most talented lists in the league, but the coach can't get the best out of this team.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
What is the worry in players having some harmless fun from time to time – does everything need to be taken seriously all the time?
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
