CARLTON captain Marc Murphy will remain a one-club player after recommitting to the Blues for a further two years.

The 30-year-old has turned his back on free agency and signed on with the Blues until at least the end of 2020.

The reigning John Nicholls Medallist has built an extensive resume since arriving at the Club as the No.1 draft pick in 2005. Earning an AFL Rising Star nomination in his first game in Round 1 of 2006, Murphy went on to win both Carlton’s and the AFLPA’s best first-year player awards. He was part of the Blues’ pre-season premiership win in 2007 before being a representative in the International Rules Series in 2008. 

In 2008 and 2009 he placed second in the John Nicholls Medal, before going one step further to claim Carlton’s highest individual honour in 2011 – the same year he earned All-Australian selection and was named AFLCA Player of the Year. Replacing Chris Judd as captain in 2013, Murphy finished top two in the club best and fairest in 2014 and 2015. Despite an injury-riddled 2016 campaign, the captain bounced back to be named the 2017 John Nicholls Medallist.

Murphy said he was excited to be seeing out his playing days as a one-club player.

“Ultimately, it was an easy decision to put pen to paper on this new deal with the Club,” Murphy said.

“I wanted to make a decision in the best interests of my young family. I am the captain of the football club, I love this place, my teammates and I’m more determined than ever to get this club back to where we belong.

“I know the direction that this young playing list is heading and that’s what drives me every day. I want to continue to get the most out of this group by driving the standards of myself and others to ensure there is success in the coming years.” 

Senior coach Brendon Bolton praised the loyalty of the two-time John Nicholls Medallist.

“We’re thrilled ‘Murph’ has recommitted to the Club for the next two years, and his loyalty to this football club should be widely acknowledged,” Bolton said.

“His influence and investment in this young group has been incredibly impressive. He is our captain, his care for the playing group is paramount and he continually sets the standards to drive this group to perform day in and day out. 

“Murph is a Carlton person through and through and we hope he further builds on his remarkable career over the next two years.”

Murphy joins Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher, Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien in extending their contracts with the Blues this season.