As Carlton’s captain, Marc Murphy prepares to play his 200th game this weekend, and the 28-year-old says he’s still “learning and thriving” in his role as skipper.

Speaking to SEN on Thursday morning, the midfielder said since taking over the captaincy in 2013 he’s always marked himself “very hard”.

“As a captain I’ve learnt quite a bit over my two and a half years.

“I’m still learning and thriving in the role at the moment – I’m really enjoying it,” Murphy said.

Carlton has blooded six first gamers this season including Blaine Boekhorst, Brad Walsh, Clem Smith, Matt Dick, Tom Fields and Ciaran Byrne, and as a leader of the football club Murphy likes to makes sure the young players are “following the right footsteps”.

“You do try to set the example for the young boys because they look up to you and watch everything that you do around the footy club.

“You’ve got to make sure your preparation, discipline and what you’re doing on match day is all right because you want to make sure they’re following the right footsteps,” he said.

In his last six matches Murphy has averaged 29 disposals and has been a key factor in turning around the second half of the season.

Friday night will mark another huge challenge for the captain as his team prepares to take on reigning premiers Hawthorn, but the Blues will go in prepared.

“They (Hawthorn) are playing unbelievable footy at the moment.

“You just have to look at what they’ve done to Fremantle and Sydney in the last two weeks to see they’ve been pretty impressive.

“We’re going to go in with a game plan and try to stick to that,” he said.

On a lighter note, there’s been speculation raised by teammate Sam Rowe, that Murphy may pop the question to his long-term girlfriend when they travel to Europe after the footy season.

However ‘Murph’ was quick to explain he’s going to Paris to “experience the culture” but wouldn’t confirm or deny if he’ll be proposing.

“He (Rowe) has stitched me up an absolute beauty here,” Murphy laughed.