Murphy has been a journeyman in AFL circles over the past decade. First Richmond, the Carlton, down the Princes Highway to Geelong and then back to the Blues. And now in 2004 he finds himself at Windy Hill.
""It has taken me 11 years to get to the 150 – it is a small milestone in my career. I would love to get to 200 games. But there are more important things than my milestone – we need to beat Collingwood this Sunday,"" Murphy said this afternoon.
""Any footballer who had been traded as many times as I have, would have to think they were not going to make it (150 games). I suppose some clubs have thought I have had some ability so that has helped me hang around for this long I suppose.
""I became a better footballer when I was traded from Richmond to Carlton. The past couple have been a combination of things – new coaches and fitting into game plans. I’ve always got along with the people I have played football with and the people at the club.""
Murphy did cop his fair share from Carlton supporters last week but he took it in his stride an played an important part in Essendon’s win over the Blues.
""Every player is going to cop a bit over the journey. I didn’t think I cop it more than anyone else,"" Murphy said.
Murphy counts his Essendon debut among the most special moments in his career and this weekend’s Anzac Day will be another.
""Playing in the 1999 Grand Final was a highlight and so was the first game I played for this footy club. I haven’t got any regrets and I think I still have a lot to offer. I’m only 27 so I have a few years ahead of me if I can keep the body right and keep producing,"" he said.
""I looked at the draw when it came out and the moment I knew I was at Essendon and was that excited to think that if things went to plan I would reach the milestone on Anzac Day.
""I’ve spoken to a few people around the club about what Anzac Day means to them and everyone at this club really embraces it. They say it is a bit like a final.""
