He might be a Western Bulldog at heart, but Bob Murphy is ready to embrace everything purple at his new Club.
The new Head of Football Operations has been finding his feet at Freo this week as he emerged from a two-week quarantine, and had his first taste of football action on Saturday morning at Fremantle Oval when pitching in an AFLW training session.
The 312-game Bulldog said he was attracted to the ‘adventure’ of a move to WA and joining a Club was that looking to have its big breakthrough at both AFL and AFLW level.
“There’s just the opportunity that presented itself, there’s the family side of it, we had an appetite for a big adventure and going to the other side of the country ticks that box,” Murphy said.
“There’s also something about Fremantle that I feel a certain connection to. I’ve got a bit of a thing for underdogs and outsiders, so it just feels to me like a good fit.
“I’m coming into a Club that’s doing a lot of things right and it’s on me to absorb and to learn. Football clubs are a sacred space and it’s something that’s really important to me.
“Everyone’s got a catch phrase of their own leadership philosophy but mine is to help whenever you can, there’s a moment to jump in and get your hands dirty and there’s another time to lead from within.
“I’m just really grateful to be given the chance to be welcomed into this proud Football Club.”
Murphy said there’s been an element of culture shock arriving in the Covid-free WA.
“Shaking hands is a big deal, it’s been a big adjustment. It has honestly been pretty tough couple years for Victorians so it’s nice – especially for the kids – for them to have a sense of freedom and adventure again, which is something parents treasure,” Murphy said.
“I love it here. It’s been a sedentary quarantine life for a couple of weeks and I’ve been trying to organise a house and schools and we have a house full of boxes.
“People have been really welcoming and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”
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