Career
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. Both parents belonged formerly to Catholic orders, John as a priest and Monica as a nun.
2000–2004
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. 2005–present
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 National Association of Broadcasters 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.
Murphy was back to form resembling his best in 2010, when he posted his second top-five finish in the club best and fairest.
He spent more time across half-back, where his disposal and decision-making were up to his usual high standard. In games against Essendon and Fremantle he collected a career-best 28 disposals.
He missed three games mid-year with a knee injury which was again aggravated in the preliminary final, requiring post-season surgery.
