THE CARLTON Football Club is delighted to congratulate Marc Murphy and Shane O’Sullivan on being awarded AFL Life Membership.
Murphy qualified for Life Membership in Round 7 this year, when he ran out for his 300th official game - combining 275 premiership games, 23 pre-season games and two International Rules games.
Since his debut in the opening round of 2006, Murphy has been an exceptional player for the football club over the last 15 years.
He was named captain in 2013, a role he fulfilled terrifically for the Club for six years where he has won two John Nicholls Medals in 2011 and 2017 and earned an All Australian honour in 2011.
O’Sullivan has been awarded Life Membership after 41 years of exceptional service to our game. He has been a pillar of the Carlton Football Club for three decades during that time.
His first four-year stint at the Blues saw the Club produce three flags, beginning as Promotions Officer in 1979 before moving to Assistant General Manager for three seasons.
O’Sullivan then went on to have a significant impact at the Western Bulldogs as General Manager before playing a leading hand in the establishment of the Brisbane Bears.
He returned home to Ikon Park in 1994 after six years up north as Carlton Recruiting Manager and he has remained an integral part of the Club ever since.
In addition to recruitment, ‘ShaneO’ has served Carlton’s Football Administration Manager and most recently as manager of the Spirit of Carlton, playing an important role in ensuring the Club’s past players remain connected to the football club long after their playing careers are over.
Carlton President Mark LoGiudice expressed the high regard in which both Murphy and O’Sullivan are held at the football club.
“We could not be prouder as a football club to see both Marc and Shane receive the recognition they deserve for their significant contribution to the game,” LoGiudice said.
“Marc has been a quality player and quality Carlton person over a long period of time.
“He continues to show his class and professionalism at this stage of his career, providing a daily example to the playing group of what is required to earn a long and distinguished career at the elite level.
“In regards to Shane, there are few people in modern football who have experienced such longevity and importantly have done it all with good nature, distinction and class.
“Shane is an exceptional person who is well respected and highly regarded across the competition. He always goes above and beyond to help the Club and his colleagues in any way he can. He is a true Carlton person and we are thrilled he has received this acknowledgment.
“On behalf of everyone at Carlton, congratulations to Marc, Shane and their families on being made a Life Members of the AFL.”
Game qualification:
Marc Murphy
285 premiership games for Carlton, kicking 189 goals.
23 pre-season games for Carlton.
2 x Best and Fairest 2011, 2017.
1 x All Australian 2011
2 x International games 2008.
Captain 2013 – 2018.
Service Qualification:
Shane O’Sullivan
1979 – Joined Carlton FC, employed in the Football Department with primary responsibilities around Under 19 and Reserves players
1981-82 – Assistant General Manager / CEO, Carlton FC
1983 -86 – General Manager / CEO, Footscray FC
1987 -92 – General Manager Football, Brisbane Bears FC (appointed from start-up)
1993 – Oakleigh Senior Coach (VFA)
1994 – 2004 – Carlton FC Recruiting Manager
2005 -18 – Carlton FC Football Administration Manager
2019 – current – Carlton FC Spirit of Carlton Manager (role services past players / life members)
2014 Jack Titus Award Winner
