""I want to thank Essendon and my teammates for giving me another chance to play AFL football,"" Murphy said. ""I have given the game everything I have got and won't look back with any regrets. The time is right to call it a day.""
Murphy played 40 games with Essendon for a career total of 185. He averaged more than 17 possessions per game with Essendon, kicked 28 goals and was joint Best Finals’ Player with James Hird in 2004. Thomas played eight games for Essendon and was also an integral part of the Bendigo Bombers' success in 2004.
Essendon has previously de-listed Sam Hunt, Marc Bullen, Damian Cupido, Ben Haynes, Mark Alvey and Ty Zantuck. Ted Richards was traded to Sydney while Matthew Allan retired. On top of this rookies Adrian Wilson and Ryan Bain were de-listed.