Marc Murphy | 2020 Season Review

Written by Joseph Addamo

Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.

After an improved season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.

This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #3 – Marc Murphy.

SEASON SYNOPSIS

In his 15th season, Marc Murphy played in all 17 of Carlton’s home and away matches at the age of 33, and played a pivotal role as a midfielder across the year. He often attended centre bounce stoppages as Carlton’s 3rd mid besides Ed Curnow and Patrick Cripps. He averaged 18.4 disposals, 4.3 score involvements and 3 inside 50s in 2020.

He continually acted as the free-running midfielder that Carlton have come to know so well over the years. While his disposal efficiency seems to have dropped off to an extent, it never hindered Murphy’s desire to bite off a ‘45’ kick into the corridor or lower the eyes when looking at forward 50 targets.

Entering 2021, Murphy recently signed a contract extension to remain at the club. Next season, with all going according to plan, will mark a significant milestone for ‘Murph’ as he will look to line up in his 300th AFL game.

BEST PERFORMANCE

‘Murph’ had 7 games with 20+ disposals across the season, with his most influential game coming in a win against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 13. It was a Darwin special from the former skipper as he wound back the clock in a classy and slick performance.

The Blues were rolling off a famous win after the siren against the Dockers the week prior, and Murphy took that momentum into what could prove to be a 3 Brownlow vote performance.

He led all-comers in disposals with 28 going at 75% efficiency, along with 5 clearances, 477 metres gained and 11 score involvements (also a game-high). Murphy showed he still has much to give to the club with this performance, ageing like a fine wine.

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

Along with 9 other Blues players announced on the same day, Murphy signed another contract extension to remain at the club in 2021. Although in the past his name has been synonymous with rumored trade talks, ‘Murph’ will ultimately retire a one club player with the Blues.

He still has starting 22 credentials at Senior AFL level, even heading into 2021. He may be pushed for competition if the Blues can snare some quality midfield talent in the Trade & Free Agency period. Regardless, it would be widely expected that Murphy will continue to carve out a role in Carlton’s midfield.

Whether 2021 will be Murphy’s 16th and final season is yet to be determined. Reaching the 300 game milestone is the next step in his already decorated career as a professional footballer. If he continues to show the poise and quality that he did on numerous occasions this year, he may yet go around again in 2022.

2020 REPORT CARD RATING

B

STATUS HEADING INTO 2021

Consistent Senior Player