About Bob Murphy

Robert Murphy is undoubtedly one of the most respected figures in AFL footy. Recently retired from a long career with the Western Bulldogs, Murphy came to embody everything good about the Bulldogs’ image, and for a long time was the rare shining light in a club that was struggling for success both on and off the field.

Murphy was one of the players who was simply a joy to watch. Equally silky of both his left and right boot, he was adept at playing just about anywhere in midfield or along the half-back line, as well as often bobbing up in the forward 50. In 2015, Murphy’s excellent play and burgeoning leadership qualities were rewarded with the captaincy of his beloved Bulldogs. At the end-of-season awards, Murphy won both the Players Association Captain of the Year Award, as well as earning the captaincy for the All Australian Team, remarkably in only his first season as captain.

Heading into 2016 in arguably the form of his career, Murphy suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Round 3. In a cruel twist of fate, this was the year that the Dogs went on a remarkable finals run to take out the flag for the first time since 1954.

One of the most iconic images in recent AFL history came when Luke Beveridge, the Bulldogs’ coach, invited Bob Murphy up onto the presentation dais to not only offer him his own premiership medal, but the chance to hoist the premiership trophy alongside acting captain Easton Wood. 

Fresh off his retirement at the end of the 2017 season, Murphy looks destined for a post-season career in the AFL media. Currently writing weekly columns in The Age, Murphy is also a regular panel member on the Fox Footy talk show AFL 360. Always offering thoughtful and eloquent insight, Bob Murphy’s opinion should be highly valued.