The Bulldogs on Friday announced that the 32-year-old will succeed Greater Western Sydney departee Ryan Griffen as skipper, eschewing the option of going back to Matthew Boyd or giving the honour to one of the club's emerging youngsters.

 

Murphy played every game of the 2014 season to take his career tally to 271, and the vibrant state of his game and body have emboldened him that he could lead the rebuilding Bulldogs through their first season under new coach Luke Beveridge and beyond.

One of the game's most popular figures, his credentials for the captaincy were underscored by Beveridge's predecessor Brendan McCartney at the Dogs' best and fairest in September.

In presenting Murphy with the coaches' award, McCartney described him as a player who "still has an open mind and a thirst to get better, and a commitment to want to be the best. Why? He just has a deep, deep love of his teammates, and an even greater love of his club."