Robert Murphy (footballer)
| Robert Murphy | |||
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Murphy warming up prior to a pre-season game in February 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Robert Murphy | ||
| Date of birth | 9 June 1982 | ||
| Original team(s) | Warragul / Gippsland Power | ||
| Draft | 13th overall, 1999 Western Bulldogs |
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| Height / weight | 186 cm / 82 kg | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Western Bulldogs | ||
| Number | 2 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2000– | Western Bulldogs | 295 (173) | |
| Representative team honours | |||
| Years | Team | Games (Goals) | |
| 2008 | Victoria | 1 (1) | |
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2016.
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| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Robert "Bob" Murphy (born 9 June 1982) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). Renowned for his silky skills and leadership qualities, Murphy has also proven himself a versatile player, equally capable of playing in attack or in defence depending on the situation. He was appointed as the Bulldogs' captain for 2015 following the departure of predecessor Ryan Griffen. Murphy is the last remaining active AFL player from any draft in the 1990s and the 20th century. He has served as the captain of the Western Bulldogs since the 2015 season.
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. He has one brother, Ben, and a sister, Bridget.
Murphy was drafted to the Western Bulldogs with pick 13 in the 1999 National Draft. After spending much of the 2000 season developing his slim frame, he made his debut in Round 19 against Carlton at Princes Park, gathering 13 disposals and kicking a goal in a thrilling 3-point victory. In 2001 he was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in round 16 after playing St Kilda.
In 2005, under new coach Rodney Eade, Murphy cemented a place as a small centre half forward. He kicked 33 goals from this position and his overhead marking and leading ability were invaluable to the team. As part of the leadership group he led his younger team mates by great example across the half forward line.
On 26 May 2006 Murphy injured his left knee during a horrible collision in the Bulldogs' 34-point loss to Collingwood. This injury caused him to miss the remainder of the 2006 season, including what would have been his first finals series. After successful reconstruction, he returned to action in the 2007 NAB Cup series in February 2007. He injured his right knee early in the 2008 season, but played on for the remainder of the season, before undergoing surgery to repair a damaged patellar tendon in September 2008.
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