Marc Murphy has been confirmed as the new captain of Carlton.

Murphy, 25, was unveiled as Chris Judd's replacement at a press conference at Visy Park on Wednesday morning.

The brilliant midfielder was selected as a long-term skipper and was preferred over more experienced candidates Andrew Carrazzo, 29, and Kade Simpson, 28 – both of whom have been named joint vice-captains.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse said the decision to appoint Murphy, after what he termed as "an exhaustive process", was simply based on who was deemed the best leader at the club to "uphold the tradition and spirit of Carlton".

Malthouse said any of the five members of the leadership group would have been worthy for the position.

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan, one of the club's greatest skippers, said Murphy was taking the role at the perfect time in his career.

Murphy, a member of the Blues' leadership group for six years, said he was humbled and excited by the "massive honour", adding that he had "big shoes to fill". The 142-gamer believes he will "grow into the job" and is determined to create his own legacy.

The No. 1 pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, Murphy has blossomed into one of the AFL's best midfielders, averaging 26.3 disposals and almost a goal a game over the past five seasons. 

In 2011 he won the AFL Coaches' Association Award, All Australian selection and the Blues' best and fairest (after finishing second, second and third in the previous three seasons).

Last year he missed six games with a shoulder injury, but still came fifth in the club award. Perhaps significantly, he also captained his team for four games during Judd's suspension for a 'chicken wing' tackle.

Murphy and his father John, who won six best and fairests with Fitzroy and South Melbourne captained the Lions, become just the seventh father-son combination to be appointed captains of AFL/VFL clubs. This exclusive club includes some illustrious names – the Watsons (Tim and Jobe), Abletts (Gary snr and Gary jnr), Nashes (Bob and Laurie) and Pannams (Charlie snr, Charlie jnr and Alby).