MARC Murphy has consistently said that he’s not giving up on the ultimate Carlton dream.

To put things simply, he believes he can have his ‘Shane Crawford moment’. After 16 seasons as a Hawk, Crawford ended his career with an elusive premiership after six seasons as captain, helping welcome the likes of Lance Franklin, Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell settle into the club.

Speaking to SEN on Monday morning, Murphy - who also spent six years as captain - admitted he had been looking at the Crawford story and would love to emulate what the 1999 Brownlow Medallist achieved.

And while some have been quick to write the veteran off, Murphy believes he’s “got a few years left” yet.

“I still believe I can play for a few more years: my form in the back half of where I was able to play in the midfield more consistently,” Murphy said.

“I’ll aim to try and do that again this year: the more we can have these younger guys step up and play strong consistent footy, it’s going to help me as well.

“I look around at the list we’ve got and the guys I think can improve enormously: there are guys who are in the fourth of fifth years like Weitering and Harry McKay.

 “We’ve certainly got some guys who can take the next step in their footy careers to help us as a footy club.”

It was that end-of-season run which was a glimpse to vintage Marc Murphy.

While most remember that match-winning goal against Fremantle, Murphy’s final two months was electric, averaging 28 disposals and five clearances a game.

Despite injury setbacks in recent seasons, Murphy said his body is feeling good ahead of football’s restart.

“I know my body. I’ve had quite a few injuries over my career but they’re not really one thing, like a hamstring or a calf,” he said.

“I’ve done bloody shoulders, scapulas, cheekbones — every weird injury. The muscles in my body are feeling good and I’m actually feeling pretty fresh.

“I had a conversation with Andrew Russell about the way in which he wants to manage me and his belief in me, it’s been really good for myself.”

Of course, Murphy's 15th season will 'restart' this Saturday, with Carlton to take on Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. 

He said the optimism and motivation was palpable across the playing group and the competition.

"We want to improve as rapidly as we can and the way in which the boys have been training in pre-season and especially over the last three weeks, everyone is pretty excited about Saturday," he said.

"Everyone is in the same boat so it'll be a good weekend of footy."