CARLTON veteran Marc Murphy has returned to familiar territory in the midfield with impressive results.
The 32-year-old spent the opening rounds of 2019 primarily playing on the wing, but he has returned to his roots over recent weeks.
Murphy reflected on the transition when speaking to media on Tuesday morning.
“Obviously my role changed a fair bit,” Murphy said.
“I started playing obviously predominantly win and half forward, so I’ve enjoyed being back in the middle.
“I think other guys have really embraced their own role like I’ve embraced a new role as well.”
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Murphy has strung together an outstanding run of form over the last five rounds, averaging 26 disposals a game since returning from injury.
The veteran’s performances has coincided with a string of victories for the Blues, their latest a 24-point decider over Gold Coast.
“It’s been really good, four and two in the last six weeks and the belief is really growing around the place,” he said.
“Playing out there on the weekend, it was loud. [There were] heaps of Carlton supporters there and I think our fans are really enjoying what they’re seeing at the moment.”
Still a member of Carlton’s leadership team, Murphy handed the captaincy responsibilities to Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty at the beginning of 2019.
Murphy commended the young leaders on their ability to maintain high morale amongst the playing group.
“Paddy’s been enormous with just the way in which he’s played: he’s been fantastic,” he said.
“Obviously going through the time when Bolts was removed from being senior coach, Paddy and Docca have been terrific through that.
“It obviously takes a bit of a toll when you’re dealing with that quite heavily at the time.
“The way they’ve come through that and communicated to the boys and just kept the vibe around the place [has been] really positive.”