Robert Murphy is regarded by most as a champion footballer, but more importantly, as a champion person.
After his beloved Western Bulldogs defeated Gold Coast at TIO Stadium four years ago, I used my media pass to get into the Dogs’ change-room.
I had no business being in there but I wanted to soak up the atmosphere and observe the professionalism exhibited by AFL clubs.
Most of the players were in recovery mode; icing injuries, rehydrating, eating, stretching and doing all the other one percenters elite athletes do in order to prepare for the following week.
But as I was standing in a corner trying to keep out of everyone’s way I noticed a bloke limp over to me.
It was Bob Murphy.
He asked how I was going and told me if there was any player or coach I wanted to speak to all I had to do was ask him and he would make sure to bring them over for me.
Murphy was not captain at the time and he was not obliged to make this nice gesture, but that is just an example of the type of person he is.
Since that moment, I have followed Murphy’s media exploits closely, whether it be his honesty and dry-wit as a regular guest on AFL 360, or his intelligent, articulately-penned columns in The Age.
He arrived at the kennel as a skinny 17-year-old who looked nothing like a footballer and has turned into a champion of his club.
And 295 games later he is playing arguably the best football of his career and it is no coincidence that his leadership at the club has aligned with the Bulldogs’ rapid rise up the ladder.
I will be keeping my fingers crossed that a knee reconstruction does not spell the end of what has been a magnificent career.
Even non-Bulldogs supporters can see the beauty in Robert Murphy retiring as a premiership-winning captain.
Twitter – @JClark182
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