Tom Murphy this morning informed his Gold Coast SUNS teammates of his intention to retire from the game at the end of the 2014 season.

Prior to signing with the GC SUNS, Murphy played 95 games with the Hawthorn Football Club after being drafted with selection 21 in the 2004 AFL Draft.

At the end of the 2012 season he joined the Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent, playing 18 games with the GC SUNS and taking his career games tally to 113.

GC SUNS Coach, Guy McKenna said Murphy’s recruitment to the GC SUNS has delivered benefits both on and off the field.

“Having been a member of Hawthorn’s leadership group in his final four seasons at the club, he had an immediate and positive impact on our playing group that will continue until the end of our 2014 campaign.”

“Murph played a lot of senior footy for us last year, and our young defenders benefited greatly from his presence on the field and around the club.

Murphy, who won Hawthorn’s Most Improved award in 2008 - the Club’s premiership year - and was voted Best Clubman in 2010 says he is incredibly grateful to the Hawks and the GC SUNS.

“I feel very fortunate to have played footy over the last ten seasons with both the Hawthorn and Gold Coast Football Club’s.

“The journey has gone very quickly, but I leave with many great memories and friends.

“I hope, in my time here, I’ve played my role in establishing the Gold Coast SUNS. I wish the team all the very best for the future and look forward to watching the club go on to bigger and better things in the years to come.”