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.
CLAYTON BEASY
Roar Rookie
One of the true personalities in our game, well said Jackson!
Berrlins
Guest
Only the 11th bulldog to make 250 games, and very much a champion of the club. As a long suffering bulldogs fan he's one of the players I hope we never lose despite his age his smarts are still so good -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Tad
Roar Rookie
Seems to be a champion bloke, who has written some really interesting articles about life and football. Very interesting background, Murphy is the third and youngest child of John and Monica Murphy. Both parents belonged formerly to Catholic orders, John as a priest and Monica as a nun
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Huge respect for Bob Murphy
Bill
Guest
A true champion of our wonderful game. Just cant see him playing in a grand final in the near future. Unless the Bulldogs find 20 players that can play just a little.