Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy has announced he will be retiring from the AFL at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old veteran, who has chalked up 310 games for his beloved Dogs over nearly two decades, stepped in as the Bulldogs captain at the end of 2014 when Ryan Griffen left to join Greater Western Sydney.
Murphy has become a favourite son of the club since coming on board as pick 13 in the 1999 NAB AFL Draft, going on to be name All-Australian captain in 2015.
While a torn ACL cruelled his 2016 season, the oldest active player in the AFL played a crucial off-field role on helping steer the Bulldogs to their drought-breaking AFL premiership win.
Murphy joined coach Luke Beveridge at a media conference at Whitten Oval on Tuesday morning to announce his retirement from the top level of the game, bowing out alongside former captain Matthew Boyd.
The pair will pay their final regular season game against Hawthorn in Round 23, a match that also marks the final AFL game for retiring Hawks stars Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson.
Murphy said it has been an incredible experience being part of the Western Bulldogs Football Club for almost two decades, but now is the right time to finish his career.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside some of the greats of this club and under some inspiring coaches, and each person has helped shape me as a player and person,” he said.
“I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received along the way, from my team-mates, coaches and club staff, my family and friends, and from the amazing Bulldogs’ members and fans.”
Murphy said the arrival of winter had told him it was time to retire.
“The body was letting me know I wouldn’t be able to complete another season. Still got a bit of life left in me this year. I feel the team has a few cards to play in this hand.”
Murphy had earlier told his teammates of his decision, praising the club’s “family atmosphere” and saying he was proud to have been able to hang in there through the ups and downs.
“It’s probably been a lot of harder than what I thought it was going to be… a lot of rough years, lots of injuries, lots of setbacks, but speckled with some absolute diamond moments, days, people, stories, laughs, all that sort of thing.
“I think the struggle and the battle to get up every week, yourself and the club, that’s what kind of makes it so special.”
Beveridge paid tribute to “a once in a generation type character” who paved the way for last year’s premiership with his leadership.
“He has been one of the most consistent performers for the Club in the last 18 seasons, because on top of his natural ability he has driven himself to continually improve and get the best out of himself.
“But it’s the impact he’s had off the field, in terms of setting standards for his team-mates, leading by example and driving the right culture, which is difficult for those outside the club to fully appreciate.
“The Bulldogs have been lucky to have Bob Murphy, and he leaves an incredibly strong legacy.”
