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  1. #1
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    Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Bob has decided to hang up his boots. What a star of the game, a Bulldog legend and a sad moment to know this is the last year



    Western Bulldogs veteran Bob Murphy has announced that the 2017 season will be the last of his brilliant AFL playing career.

    Murphy will close the curtain on an 18-year career at the highest level as a dual All-Australian and universally admired captain of the Bulldogs.

    On field, Murphy will be remembered for his composure, agility, versatility, ability to read the play and execute under pressure, and incredible skill on both sides of his body.

    Equally, he is held in the highest regard for his leadership on and off the field, particularly in the latter stages of his career.

    Murphy is one of only seven players in Bulldogs’ history to play 300 games, alongside Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Doug Hawkins, Ted Whitten, Scott West and Rohan Smith.

    “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 my career,” Murphy said.

    “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.

    “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.

    “It has been an honour to captain the club for the last three seasons, and I will leave the game satisfied that I gave everything I possibly could.”

    Murphy arrived at the Bulldogs via the 1999 National Draft with selection 13, and made his debut in Round 19, 2000.
    By the following year he was a regular in the Bulldogs team, and he continued to build his credentials by receiving an AFL Rising Star nomination and being named the Club’s most promising player in 2001.

    In 2005 he booted 33 goals as a forward, and he had kicked 13 goals in nine matches to start the 2006 season before he was grounded by a serious knee injury which required a reconstruction.

    One of his most dominant seasons came in 2011, when as a defender he was named in the All-Australian team and finished second in the Charles Sutton Medal.

    Murphy took over the captaincy in 2015, and put together a brilliant season which resulted in him being named captain of the All-Australian team and securing another second-place in the Club Best and Fairest.

    A second knee reconstruction prematurely ended his 2016 season, but he has returned to form quickly this season in 15 games so far.

    “Bob is a once in a generation type character in what he has achieved both on and off the field,” said Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge.

    “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.”
    Last edited by bornadog; 15-08-2017 at 01:43 PM.
    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  2. #2
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    So long Murph and thanks for all the fish.
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  3. #3
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    There are two 300 game players who's debuts are emblazoned on my mind. Chris Grant r1 1990 and Bob Murphy r20 2000. The image of Bob running in and calmly slotting the goal that got us within a goal toward the end of the game will live on in my mind forever.

    But that goal on Saturday night is one of the best goals I have seen in person. Bob is going on top and as a class act. We've been lucky to watch his career unfurl.
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  4. #4
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    How good was the video. I loved him talking to the kids & uncontracted players (without it being to them), 'There's a time when you think this is a club I play for, and then this is my club. I wish that happened for me sooner'.

    I hope JMac was standing outside the door with a stack of contracts.

    Great timing. If the boys are serious about doing it for Bob, they need 6 more wins starting this week.

    Love ya Bob. For ever, and ever for saving this club from oblivion.
    Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023

  5. #5
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Farewell to Bulldog legend. We will miss him out there for our club. Murph could be great as a movational speaker for our club.
    "Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"

  6. #6
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Thanks for all the memories Bob.

    We better play finals as I am not going to the Hawks game.

  7. #7
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  8. #8
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Quote Originally Posted by bornadog View Post

    It's great that we can look at ALL the kids and think "hmmm, one F/S, and two F/Ds" I love AFLW!
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  9. #9
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Inspirational leader and one of nicest blokes in AFL by a long way. Hope the boys put in 110% in remaining home and away games so he can experience finals and, who knows, maybe we can pull a rabbit out of the hat (again). Will miss him heaps on the field however hoping he continues in media and would love him to write more articles for the age-geez I loved those articles. Brings out the best in people. Thanks Bob including helping us out of the 2014 quagmire. A RWB legend.

  10. #10
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Bobby -- there are no words. You made me love football. You made me understand what all the fuss was about. If it wasn't for you, I would have missed out on that magical month last year, a month I'll never forget.

    Thanks for everything, you beautiful man.

  11. #11
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    If anyone hasn't seen Bob telling his teams, worth a look:

    here
    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  12. #12
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Great movie he quoted from as well .
    I thought he was going to go with "There's no crying in baseball "
    Wonderful career , and my favourite moment was his goal against Carlton on debut at Optus .
    Couldn't believe he didn't break

  13. #13
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Humble Murphy loved like no other

    Half a dozen fans gathered at the end of the race, one claiming to be Bob Murphy's personal sponsor for the past 10 years, another in goofy Bulldog glasses.


    They waited at the tail of the media line-up, like underage kids at a nightclub hoping like hell to sneak past the doorman.
    Sadly, they were knocked back, and looked on dispirited as the media were escorted into the club's auditorium.

    You can understand it in these times of tightened security, but somehow it would've been fitting had they been waved through for the Murphy retirement tribute/press conference.

    Murphy is a man of the people. A man who has touched fans like no one before him.


    Murphy addresses the media. Pic: Getty


    The fans instead gathered in the cafe, watching a live feed on their phones, but Murphy would've embraced them.
    Murphy was typically humble at the biggest press conference ever seen at the redeveloped Whitten. It was far bigger than coach sackings and coach appointments at the kennel.

    He said he didn't want to be seen as a "knob" for enjoying a farewell tour, and deep down might have wanted to finish with a wink and nod and walk away, but these moments need to be celebrated.

    Murphy never looked like a footballer in civvies. Just too skinny, and the complete reverse of the 'jock' image.

    So it was on Tuesday as he turned up in skinny jeans looking more like an artist working out of a warehouse shell in Fitzroy than a footballer.


    Murphy hardly looks like a footballer. Pic: Getty


    And it is that everyday look that always endeared him to the people of the west.
    Typically, he spoke with reason and perspective.

    There were almost tears, questions about last year's grand final and its aftermath bringing the most emotion.

    He said missing the grand final had left a hole in his heart. He hasn't watched it back.
    But there was no real self-pity. This was a celebration of club, or clan, as he prefers to call it.

    With some players in the room yet to commit to new deals, Murphy spoke of the wonders of finishing a one-club player.

    Not one took their eyes off him as the presser passed the 30-minute barrier.

    I interviewed Murphy and his parents, John and Monica, in their family home at Berwick in March 2003.

    They are still as excited to watch him now as as they were back then.


    In that interview, Monica said of her son: "I like watching Rob's style. I think it's exciting and different. He runs around the outside and he's stylish. And I like it."


    Rob is now Bob, but the way he plays footy hasn't changed.


    Murphy has at least two games left, one at his birthplace Ballarat, the other at Etihad Stadium. Nobody could begrudge him a final beyond that.


    His player sponsor, and the bloke in the Doggies glasses, will be there every step of the way.
    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  14. #14
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    Thumbs up Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob's mum
    Monica Murphy said : "I like watching Rob's style. I think it's exciting and different. He runs around the outside and he's stylish. And I like it.

    I think we all liked it Mrs Murphy.
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  15. #15
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    Re: Bob Murphy Announces Retirement

    Gonna miss you Bob. You are a true legend.

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