It’s official, Bob Murphy will retire at the end of the 2017 AFL season.

Let’s be honest, we were all kind of expecting it but also hoping that it wouldn’t come to this. At 35 years young, Murphy is currently the oldest active player in the AFL. He’s also one of the most liked and respected players by fans and players alike.

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Bob Murphy’s Bio

The 2011 All Australian was drafted as the Bulldogs first round selection in the 1999 AFL National Draft (pick 13 overall) with his talent identified early, winning the Western Bulldogs Most Promising Player Award in 2001.

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.

Bob Murphy will retire at the end of the season after 14 ultra consistent years with the Doggies. During which he became only the seventh Bulldog to play 300 games.

The 2016 Season

In my eyes, Bob Murphy’s leadership really reached its pinnacle during the 2016 AFL season.

Murphy’s season ended with a serious knee injury in round three against Hawthorn. But that didn’t stop the captain from leading his group of young pups from the sidelines all the way to an unexpected Premiership.

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Who didn’t get teary-eyed when Luke Beveridge invited Murphy on stage during the Grand Final celebrations to put his Jock McHale Medal around Bob’s neck.

It was such a bitter sweet moment to witness this true champion of the game watch HIS club win a Grand Final from the sidelines.

Murphy’s Future

I have no idea what Bob Murphy intends to do once his AFL career comes to an end. I do have a suggestion though. The players all love and respect Bob. He’s got a great rapport with all of them. He also happens to possess great technical knowledge of the game.

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I would love to see Bob Murphy join the Bulldogs’ coaching staff next season. This would be great for everyone involved. And who’s to say that the current skipper couldn’t one day become the head coach and finally earn his own Jock McHale Medal.

by Ed Toussaint – contributor