The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14^th on the ladder.

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton’s No. 3, Marc Murphy:

GAMES

Season 2016: 10

Career: 214 

GOALS

Season 2016: 7

Career: 157 

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 205 (20.50)

Kicks: 114 (11.40)

Marks 38 (3.80)

Contested possessions: 58 (5.80)

Uncontested possessions: 145 (14.50)

Tackles: 30 (3.00)

OVERVIEW

After a consistent start to the home-and-away season, the captain’s year was unfortunately cut short due to a niggling ankle injury sustained against Geelong in Round 10. 

Before ‘Murph’ succumbed to injury, his hard in-and-under work around the contests was a testament to his leadership on the field. He was so fierce around the packs he copped a knee to the head, resulting in 10 staples and instructions to wear a helmet for the next few games. 

In the Blues’ first win of season – Round 5 against Fremantle at Domain Stadium – the midfielder gathered 28 disposals, including six tackles, four clearances and a goal. That goal played a crucial part in Carlton’s win, putting the Blues up by four points with seven minutes to go in the final quarter – a captain’s goal at it’s finest. 

There’s no doubt Blues fans will be hoping to see the skipper fit and firing in 2017.

HE SAID IT

“We’re 4-0 (since I started wearing it). ‘Bolts’ (coach Brendon Bolton) did allude to it during the week last week that ‘we’re three and zip with the helmet, so you better keep wearing it’.” 

– Murphy jokes about the Blues’ win-loss record since he was instructed to wear the helmet. 

Marc Murphy sported a new look in the 2016 season. (Photo: AFL Media)

THEY SAID IT

“It’s one of those injuries that’s just niggled and stayed around. We tested him this week and he’s still just not quite right, so that’s probably it for Murph this year. To his credit, he has rehabbed as hard as he possibly can and has invested in our playing group but he’s fell short, so it’s probably his season now.”

– Senior coach Brendon Bolton conceding Murphy would not take to the field for the remaining two matches. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

When Matthew Wright weaved through traffic against Fremantle and passed the ball to Murphy, the skipper stepped up to kick a match-winning captain’s goal. That goal helped secure Carlton’s first win of the season.