The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017. 

After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.

Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.

With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton captain Marc Murphy.

GAMES

Season 2017: 22

Career: 236

GOALS

Season 2017: 11

Career: 168

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Effective disposals: 478 (21.8) Score involvements: 125 (5.7) Marks: 127 (5.8) Contested Possessions: 225 (10.2) Uncontested Possessions: 430 (19.5) Inside 50s: 97 (4.4)

OVERVIEW 

After an injury-interrupted 2016, Murphy returned to his best this season in his fifth year as captain.

He was one of seven Blues to play every game in 2017, finishing ninth in the competition for effective possessions. 

He also led the Blues for disposals, contested possessions, score involvements and inside 50s.


Murphy was involved in more scoring chains than any other Blue in 2017. (Photo: AFL Media)

Despite turning 30 in July, there appears to be no slowing down for the hard-running midfielder.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Murphy did it all against arch-enemy Essendon in Round 3, recording 32 disposals, 10 tackles and two team-lifting goals in adverse conditions. 

His performance helped steer the Blues to their first victory of the season, earning him a perfect 10 in the AFL Coaches’ Association votes.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Murphy’s moment of magic against the Bombers was simply stunning. 

In wet conditions, he threaded a perfect checkside from the boundary, earning the fans’ vote for Carlton’s Goal of the Year.