“FROM MY personal opinion, he’s underrated and I honestly think in a way he’s under-appreciated in the footy world.”
In past seasons, Patrick Cripps has made no secret of how much he admired Marc Murphy before becoming his teammate at the end of 2013.
As one of two successors to Murphy alongside Sam Docherty, the three-time John Nicholls Medallist burst onto the scene in 2015 with Murphy his partner-in-crime.
It’s why he admits he was emotional on Tuesday morning when Murphy informed the playing group that his 300th game this weekend would also be his last.
When Murphy was at the ‘peak of his powers’ coincided with Cripps’ most-fond memories as a football fan, and one night in particular sticks in the memory.
“I still remember in 2012 and we were on a school footy camp. Carlton played Collingwood in Round 3 and I think he had 38 disposals [it was 39] and two goals,” Cripps told Carlton Media.
“I think it might’ve also been the game he pulled the bird, which was pretty good. He had a period where he was arguably the best player in the competition.
“It’s going to be really good to run out with him in the last game, and also fairly emotional as well given he’s someone who I’ve basically played my whole career with. What he’s done for this footy club through a tough time is pretty special.
“He is a superstar. When I first came to the Club, I still remember being a bit starstruck being around him.
When it came to first impressions, that was also the reaction of Sam Walsh.
Except for the eventual No.1 draft pick, it occurred before he even walked in the doors of IKON Park as a Carlton player.
As a hard-running, skilful midfielder who could get it done on the inside and outside of the contest, it didn’t take long for Walsh to attach himself to Murphy.
While this weekend is the most significant of milestones for Murphy, Walsh and the outgoing champion share a poignant connection: Walsh’s first game doubled up as Murphy’s 250th, providing the assist for the veteran's third-quarter goal.
“Even before I got to the Club, I sat in on a draft interview with Carlton and I was pretty nervous that day. I walked in the room and Marc Murphy was at the end of the table: that added to the nerves a fair bit,” Walsh said.
“You hear the history of Carlton, and only six blokes have been able to play 300 games. It’s pretty remarkable, and he’s been able to drag guys along with him.
“Footy is not always going to be easy, and he embraced those moments pretty well. He’s going to be a massive part of the direction at this club and that’s the work he’s been doing since he’s been here.
“He’s so happy to see other people do well, which is what you love about him.”
When asked what their lasting memories will be of their departing teammate, two key traits away from the game stood out when thinking of Murphy.
For Cripps, who signed earlier this year to become a Blue for life, it was his mentor’s loyalty. For Walsh, it was his status as a family man.
“Loyalty is a huge thing in his DNA. What makes it different with ‘Murph’ is he didn’t have a lot of success, which means there are a lot of hard days where you’ve got to front up,” Cripps said.
“Since I’ve come to the Club, he’s been great for me and also my family. You can tell he’s a big family man,” Walsh said.
“It’s going to be a bit of a shame that his family isn’t going to be there for him… I suppose we’re his big family for him on the day, which will be a huge honour.
“When you’re at a footy club, it’s like a second family. His family won’t be there, but his second family will do everything possible to get the win for him."
