The 95-game intermediate defender averaged 14 disposals at 80% efficiency in 2012, and only once did he not keep his opponent to zero goals.
Seeking a fresh start to his AFL career, the stand in Hawks Captain arrived on the Gold Coast prior to the Clubs Arizona training camp and has since established a new home in Burleigh. But while the change has rejuvenated Murphy, it’s also had a positive effect on his new team mates.
The 189cm blue-collar football player now focussed on claiming the AFL Premiership he went so close to with Hawthorn on the Gold Coast.
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, Murphy said the GC SUNS would start the season with more defensive stability and significantly greater confidence.
“It was evident last year that the team struggled to stop the bleeding, especially late in games, we simply conceded too many goals,” said Murphy.
“But we’ve got some great experience in our revamped defensive structure which includes Matthew Warnock, Greg Broughton, Jarrod Harbrow, Danny Stanley and Nathan Bock who (once healthy) can help stabilise that backline, which will allow us to bash and crash against the AFL’s best forward structures this year.”
The rise of young tall defender Rory Thompson had the player’s most excited about the GC SUNS new-look defence.
“As of right now, with Bocky being out on the sidelines, he’s our most important player,” Murphy said.
“It’s hard enough taking the key position forward every week because the ball is always coming to you, but he’s (Thompson) has done a fantastic job so far during our NAB Cup campaign, including a spectacular individual performance against Lance Franklin where he kept the power forward scoreless.”
“There’s no doubt his presence has elevated our back-six.”
With young guns Luke Russell, Maverick Weller, Joel Wilkinson, Seb Tape and Jeremy Taylor also emerging as promising defenders, Murphy said the future was looking bright for the GC SUNS.
“Everyone is starting to come together for us, and Dean Solomon (assistant coach) has definitely been pleased with the team’s defensive work over not just in our back-half but around the ground as well,” Murphy said.
“Provided injuries and suspensions don’t hit us too hard, we’ll definitely be in for a more-improved season.”
