Carlton champion Marc Murphy will run out for the 300th and final time for Carlton.
The 34-year-old told his teammates on Tuesday morning of his decision to close the curtain on his 16-year career this weekend.
Currently on 299 career games, Murphy will become a member of the Blues’ coveted 300 club this weekend, joining Carlton greats John Nicholls, Bruce Doull, Craig Bradley, Stephen Silvagni and Kade Simpson as the sixth player to have reached the milestone in the Navy Blue.
Announcing his decision to call time ahead of the occasion, Murphy reflected on his stellar career.
“Being recruited to Carlton back as an 18-year-old was a dream come true and looking back over my career now, it really has been extremely rewarding and I feel very grateful to be a Carlton man,” Murphy said.
“There have certainly been some tough times along the way but equally, I’ve experienced some incredible highs – including being captain, which was an honour I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“It will feel very different not walking into this Club every day that I’ve called home, but I’m very lucky to have been able to do that these past 16 seasons with some incredibly fond memories and lifelong mates.
“I’d like to thank my family, all of my teammates, coaches and staff for all of their support over the years, and of course every member and supporter who has stood by the Club along the way.
“I can’t wait to pull on the Carlton guernsey one last time and run out with the boys this weekend.”
Selected with the first overall pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, Murphy has been an instrumental member of Carlton’s midfield, making his mark on debut with 17 disposals and his first goal affording him a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 1, 2006.
Murphy’s time in the game has seen him craft a decorated career as an All Australian, an AFLCA Champion Player of the Year (2011) and a two-time John Nicholls Medallist (2011, 2017).
His skill with the Sherrin in hand was made more significant by his qualities as a leader, captaining the Blues for six seasons, taking over the reins from Chris Judd in 2013, before passing the baton to co-captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
He also became a Life Member of the Club in 2013 and received AFL Life Membership in 2021.
Senior Coach David Teague congratulated the veteran Blue for the impact he has had on the playing group over his 16 years at the Club.
“Marc has been a terrific player for our football club and he will depart the game leaving a great legacy at IKON Park,” Teague said.
“His contribution on and off the field, particularly across his six seasons as captain, has been profound and we are all extremely proud of what he has achieved in the No.3 guernsey, including being recognised with AFL Life Membership earlier this year
“In football, there are highs and there are lows and no doubt 'Murph' has experienced both along the journey. But his loyalty has never wavered and that is a true demonstration of his pride in pulling on the Navy Blue.
“On behalf of everyone at our football club, we wish him, his wife Jessie and kids Max and Imogen all the very best.”
