3. MARC MURPHY

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s Marc Murphy.

GAMES

2020: 17
Career: 285

GOALS

2020: 4
Career: 189  

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 313 (18.4) Marks: 63 (3.7) Contested possessions: 106 (6.2) Tackles: 37 (2.1) Clearances: 41 (2.4) 

OVERVIEW

The veteran was back and ready for his 15th season in the Navy Blue. Missing only one game in what turned out to be an extraordinary season, Murphy continued to provide much needed experience through the midfield, assisting the younger players with his class and composure. Murphy also received the honour of qualifying for AFL life membership this season, playing his 300th official game, consisting of his 275 premiership games, 23 pre-season games and two International Rules games. 

07:05

Spotlight | Murphy's AFL life membership (R7)

Go inside the game that made Marc Murphy an AFL Life Member.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Murphy’s best performance of the year came in the Blues’ Round 13 win against the Suns in Darwin. On an extremely humid night, he gathered 28 disposals, 10 contested possessions and five clearances. Murphy received a perfect 10  AFLCA Champion Player of the Year votes, with his 11 score involvements paving the way for a 33-point win over Gold Coast. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Clutch performances are becoming a specialty for Murphy as he played a pivotal role in the final  minutes of the Round 4 clash against the Bombers. Coming from a 12-point deficit with just minutes remaining, the veteran produced the two goal assists which would be crucial in handing the Blues a one-point win. His repeat efforts in 50-50 contests allowed the Blues to win the ball and convert when they needed it most. 

01:24

R4 | Murphy rises to the occasion

An inspired cameo from Marc Murphy was a turning point in the Round 4 win over Essendon.

THEY SAID IT

When asked about continuing his playing career, Murphy felt confident that he has a few more years in him, signing a new contract for the 2021 season.

“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.”