Marc Murphy again takes on the Carlton captaincy a little older and perhaps a tad wiser, having been reinstated as leader amongst the leadership group at Ikon Park this week.
In again earning the trust and support of his peers, Murphy now readies to lead for the fifth successive year; his predecessor Chris Judd having done the noble deed for five before the much-publicised handover in 2012.
Does the Judd influence still prevail?
Unquestionably if you’re speaking to the No.3.
“I remember him (Judd) saying ‘Don’t try to change too much – you’re in the position you’re in because of what you’ve done’,” Murphy recalled.
“He told me not to try to be someone I’m not, he told me that I just had to continue to grow and he told me to always seek the support of the people around me and enjoy the responsibility.”
Carlton's two most recent captains, Marc Murphy and Chris Judd. (Photo: AFL Media)
Historically, the pressure of office is profound for the Carlton captain, from as far back as the days of Jimmy Aitken.
But that’s fine for ‘Murph’, nearing his 30th birthday, now a happily married man and truly comfortable in his own skin.
“I still feel good and I still feel energised,” Murphy said moments after his reappointment.
“Obviously I’m over the halfway mark in my journey, but Carlton is a really enjoyable place to be at the moment and we’re all pushing as hard as we can to really improve.”
Forever grateful for the endorsement of Brendon Bolton, the coaching staff and the players, Murphy is both mindful and respectful of the responsibilities that come with office. To that end, he talks highly of those each assigned to help lead the way – the welcome addition in Dennis Armfield, together with Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Sam Docherty, Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson.
And so Murphy, the much-heralded No.1 draftee of 2005, now readies for his 215th senior appearance and his 12th season, with the brief of the captaincy also his for season number five – just as many as his father John served in leading the now-defunct Fitzroy.
Of his own time as Carlton captain, Murphy knows he’s very much the better for the experience.
“Looking back on those four years at the helm, I believe I’ve improved in a lot of areas . . . but you only get that through experience,” he said.
“I’m continually trying to grow playing-wise and get better, just as ‘Simmo’ (Kade Simpson) is at whatever age he’s at, and when that stops I reckon you give the game away.”
